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Conditions hamper missing kayaker search on River Usk, Powys Body found in missing kayaker search on River Usk, Powys
(about 4 hours later)
Rescuers hoping to resume their search for a missing kayaker are being hampered by deteriorating conditions. Rescuers searching for a missing kayaker in the River Usk have found a body, Dyfed Powys Police have said.
The man, in his thirties, got into difficulty on the River Usk at Llangynidr, near Crickhowell, shortly before 13:00 GMT on Sunday. A 34-year-old man got into difficulty on the River Usk at Llangynidr, near Crickhowell, shortly before 13:00 GMT on Sunday.
Search teams later found a kayak similar to the one he was using.Search teams later found a kayak similar to the one he was using.
A BBC Wales reporter at the scene said river levels rose overnight, surfaces were icy and it was not known when the search would begin again. A body was discovered at 11:20 GMT in the River Usk after initial attempts to resume the search were hampered by treacherous weather on Monday morning.
The man, described as an experienced canoeist with safety equipment, was with eight others out in what Dyfed-Powys Police called "difficult and challenging" conditions. A police statement said: "Dyfed Powys Police can confirm that a body has been found during the search for a 34-year-old kayaker who went missing on the River Usk yesterday afternoon.
Rescuers searched seven miles (11km) of the river on Sunday, and the operation is due to resume on Monday. "The body was discovered shortly before 11.20am in the River Usk.
However, Radio Wales' Gilbert John, who is at the scene, said worsening conditions meant there was a possible danger to rescuers and it was not known when the search would begin again. "The family of the missing kayaker has been informed of the discovery and efforts will now get under way to formally identify the deceased."
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Welsh Ambulance Service, a sniffer dog, Brecon Mountain Rescue Team, and the RAF were involved on Sunday. Rescuers had hoped to re-start the operation on Monday morning, but were waiting for a helicopter crew to assess whether it was safe to resume searches on the river itself.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the missing man's family had been informed. Earlier on Monday, Insp Stuart Eckley said officers from a marine unit at Pembrokeshire were being drafted in, along with specialist dogs.
Officers also advised people to stay away from the scene due to the treacherous conditions. He thanked the people of Llangynidr for "the excellent support the community has shown to us."
Water levels were high on the River Usk following heavy rain over the weekend.Water levels were high on the River Usk following heavy rain over the weekend.
Earlier on Sunday, the Usk burst its banks at Llanfoist, near Abergavenny.Earlier on Sunday, the Usk burst its banks at Llanfoist, near Abergavenny.
Simon Woodhead, of the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team, was one of 45 members searching on Sunday.Simon Woodhead, of the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team, was one of 45 members searching on Sunday.
He said: "The river was out of its banks and the area the river flows through - particularly the top end - is quite gorgy, so it has very very steep muddy sides and the footpaths, which would normally be at the water's edge, were actually under water.He said: "The river was out of its banks and the area the river flows through - particularly the top end - is quite gorgy, so it has very very steep muddy sides and the footpaths, which would normally be at the water's edge, were actually under water.
"Come dark, it was far too dangerous to have personnel in the area so the search was stood down for the evening.""Come dark, it was far too dangerous to have personnel in the area so the search was stood down for the evening."
He said willow beds in the area were an added hazard.He said willow beds in the area were an added hazard.