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Canoeist killed in swollen river | Canoeist killed in swollen river |
(40 minutes later) | |
An experienced canoeist has died after becoming trapped against a tree in a swollen river on Dartmoor. | An experienced canoeist has died after becoming trapped against a tree in a swollen river on Dartmoor. |
The 46-year-old man from Reading, Berkshire, was in a group tackling the River Dart near Poundsgate on Dartmoor on Saturday afternoon. | The 46-year-old man from Reading, Berkshire, was in a group tackling the River Dart near Poundsgate on Dartmoor on Saturday afternoon. |
Two other people were treated for mild hypothermia, following a large-scale rescue operation. | Two other people were treated for mild hypothermia, following a large-scale rescue operation. |
Fire, police, ambulance, Dartmoor Rescue and a Sea King helicopter from RMB Chivenor were involved. | Fire, police, ambulance, Dartmoor Rescue and a Sea King helicopter from RMB Chivenor were involved. |
The river was in spate, providing challenging white-water conditions for experienced canoeists. | The river was in spate, providing challenging white-water conditions for experienced canoeists. |
Heavy rain and gale-force winds made the rescue operation hazardous in a remote location. | Heavy rain and gale-force winds made the rescue operation hazardous in a remote location. |
'Need experience' | 'Need experience' |
Fire crews - supported by rescuers from Dartmoor Rescue - walked over the difficult terrain to reach the scene, a fire service spokesman said. | Fire crews - supported by rescuers from Dartmoor Rescue - walked over the difficult terrain to reach the scene, a fire service spokesman said. |
"There has been one fatality. Two other canoeists were trying to keep him upright within the canoe," he said. | "There has been one fatality. Two other canoeists were trying to keep him upright within the canoe," he said. |
Everyone in the party is now accounted for, he added. | Everyone in the party is now accounted for, he added. |
Robert Steemson, head of recreation, rangers and estates for Dartmoor National Park Authority, said the eight-strong group had been experienced canoeists. | Robert Steemson, head of recreation, rangers and estates for Dartmoor National Park Authority, said the eight-strong group had been experienced canoeists. |
"The bit of river between Dartmeet and Newbridge is one of the best bits of river in the country," Mr Steemson told BBC News. | "The bit of river between Dartmeet and Newbridge is one of the best bits of river in the country," Mr Steemson told BBC News. |
"You have to be a very experienced canoeist to go down on that piece of river." | "You have to be a very experienced canoeist to go down on that piece of river." |
Heavy rain had lashed the area on Saturday and the Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for the River Dart. | Heavy rain had lashed the area on Saturday and the Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for the River Dart. |
There are also warnings and flood watches on a number of other rivers in the South West. | There are also warnings and flood watches on a number of other rivers in the South West. |
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Insp David Nott talks about the difficulties involved in the canoeist rescue operation |