Experienced British kayaker in his 50s dies after ‘getting into difficulty’ in French river during group tour
- The British man who tragically died was in his 50s
- He was described as an experienced kayaker and was in a group of ten
- Police helicopters were deployed during the nearly three-hour search
An experienced British kayaker in his 50s has tragically died after ‘getting into trouble’ in a French river during a group trip.
The man, who has not yet been identified, sadly died on Tuesday during a group whitewater kayaking trip in the Durance River in Briançon, in the south-east of the country. France.
He was described as an experienced kayaker and was in a group of about 10 other kayakers when he died.
Emergency services were called to a stretch of river between Briançon and the nearby town of Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières to search for three people.
The three people entered the water near a local shopping center in the city, which has a population of more than 12,000.
The man, who has not yet been identified, sadly died on Tuesday during a group whitewater kayaking trip in the Durance River in Briançon (pictured)
Local reports suggested that two people jumped in to help the third, who was unconscious in the water
Local reports suggested that two people jumped in to help the third, who was unconscious in the water.
While two kayakers were recovered from the water, the British national was sadly found dead, police sources told local media.
Police helicopters were deployed to search for the missing people during the approximately three-hour search, which ended at 6pm on Tuesday.
Local media reported that the high water flow in the river was caused by melting snow.
Briançon is located at an altitude of 1,300 meters, on the edge of the French Alps, known for their snow all year round.
It is officially the highest city in France.
MailOnline has contacted the British Foreign Office for comment.
