A British woman has lost her life during a white-water rafting trip in the French Alps, which has prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Tragic Rafting Incident Claims Life of British Woman in French Alps
Tragic Rafting Incident Claims Life of British Woman in French Alps
A British tourist tragically dies following a rafting accident in the Alps, raising concerns over safety standards.
The incident occurred shortly after noon local time on Saturday on the Guisane river, located in Briancon, southeastern France. According to regional prosecutor Marion Lozac'hmeur, the victim fell from her raft while navigating a challenging section of the river known as "the wallet." Local firefighters reported that she was subsequently found on the riverbank and airlifted to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries later that evening.
The incident has drawn attention from the UK Foreign Office, which confirmed the woman's death and reported they are collaborating with local authorities in France. The identity of the victim has not been disclosed by either French or UK officials.
In light of her death, an "involuntary manslaughter" investigation has been initiated, and an autopsy is set to take place, as confirmed by Lozac'hmeur. This incident follows a similar tragedy from the previous year, where a British man lost his life in the Durance river, which also flows through Briancon. He encountered difficulties while part of a kayaking group amidst heavy snowmelt conditions.
Both the Guisane and Durance rivers are favored spots for white-water rafting, particularly in early summer when they are fed by glacier melt. These rivers feature sections with significant rapids, and outdoor activity safety advocates are likely to scrutinize this case, especially given the seasonal limitations on navigability.
The incident has drawn attention from the UK Foreign Office, which confirmed the woman's death and reported they are collaborating with local authorities in France. The identity of the victim has not been disclosed by either French or UK officials.
In light of her death, an "involuntary manslaughter" investigation has been initiated, and an autopsy is set to take place, as confirmed by Lozac'hmeur. This incident follows a similar tragedy from the previous year, where a British man lost his life in the Durance river, which also flows through Briancon. He encountered difficulties while part of a kayaking group amidst heavy snowmelt conditions.
Both the Guisane and Durance rivers are favored spots for white-water rafting, particularly in early summer when they are fed by glacier melt. These rivers feature sections with significant rapids, and outdoor activity safety advocates are likely to scrutinize this case, especially given the seasonal limitations on navigability.
