Serbian rowers capsized in treacherous conditions at Rio Olympics

Two Serbian rowers were left red-faced when their boat capsized in treacherous conditions at the Rio Olympics.

Milos Vasic and Nenad Benik were dumped into choppy waters after their boat overturned on the third heat of the men's pair.

A capsized boat is a rare sight in elite rowing competitions and the Serbia duo were forced to swim in the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, despite fears about Zika-infested mosquitos and adenoviruses.

New Zealand rower Hamish Bond told the Daily Telegraph: "I can't recall ever being in a race where one of the crews has capsized. It's unfortunate for them."

Rowers voiced their concerns about the fierce cross winds and choppy water, which hindered competitors on day one of the Olympic regatta.

Organisers defended their decision not to postpone racing, although the schedule could be disrupted if conditions worsen over the coming days. 

Fisa, rowing's governing body, ruled that the Serbian duo could take a DNF, did not finish, and still compete in Sunday's repechage.