British kayaker dead and two rescued after ‘getting into trouble’ in French River
A British kayaker has died after reportedly getting into trouble in a French river.
The man, in his 50s, was kayaking on the River Durance near Briançon, in southeastern France, at around 3pm on Tuesday afternoon.
But he got into trouble in the water after his kayak capsized, local media reported.
According to witnesses, two others dived after the man in an attempt to save him as he appeared unconscious.
Emergency services, including a rescue helicopter, were deployed and successfully rescued two of the kayakers, but the British man could not be resuscitated after being pulled from the river.
The man, in his 50s, was kayaking on the Durance River near Briançon, in southeastern France, on Tuesday afternoon.
The man is said to be an experienced kayaker and was part of an organized group of ten, according to local reports.
Just ten minutes after the group got into their kayaks, he ran into trouble, the reports claim.
“I confirm the death of a man of English nationality,” prosecutor Marion Lozac’hmeur told outlet Dauphiné Libéré.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into his death.
The water was reportedly at a high level due to melting snow and could have been a factor in the man getting into trouble.
MailOnline has contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment.