British father and son found dead on nature trail in Brazilian rainforest ‘after being electrocuted by a downed power cable’
- The couple were found dead on a coastal path in Ubatuba, São Paulo state
A British holidaymaker and his son have been found dead on a rainforest trail in Brazil, believed to have been electrocuted by a downed power cable.
The bodies of the two Britons were found on June 30 on a coastal path in Ubatuba, São Paulo state, between two popular beaches.
Investigators said their bodies showed burns consistent with receiving a powerful electric shock, while the father… According to local media, the end of a broken power cord was stuck under his leg.
In a heartbreaking twist, the father’s concerned cousin reportedly called his phone while detectives were identifying the bodies in a desperate attempt to find him.
The bodies of the two Britons were found on June 30 on a coastal path in Ubatuba, in the state of São Paulo, between two popular beaches
Father and son were only found when technicians from the energy company Elektro went to investigate a power outage at Bonete Beach, one of two beaches connected by the coastal path.
Their car was later found in a nearby parking lot.
Police investigating the case have determined that it was an accident.
Elektro, the utility company that supplies power to Ubatuba, expressed condolences over the incident in a statement and said it had sent its own investigation team to determine the cause of the incident.
‘Elektro deeply regrets the accident that occurred (on June 30) at the entrance to Praia do Bonete, in Ubatuba, São Paulo.
“The company states that it is investigating the causes and will assist the authorities in every possible way to clarify the matter,” it said.
The bodies of the two Britons were found on June 30 on a coastal path in Ubatuba, in the state of São Paulo, between two beaches
Police investigating the case in Ubatuba have registered the deaths as accidental
The deputy secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Rodrigo Andrade, said in a statement: “The Ministry of Tourism sympathizes with the incident and regrets the death of two tourists this weekend on the route from Fortaleza to Bonete.
‘Unfortunately, the incident occurred in an area that is not regulated for ecotourism. It is an old access road used by local residents that is not open to ecotourism activities.’
He added: ‘We want to emphasize once again how important it is to hire a recognized agency and qualified guides who can carry out this activity professionally and competently, thus guaranteeing the safety of people on the trails.’
An FCDO spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘We are in contact with local authorities following the deaths of two British men in Brazil.’