British paddler drowns on Crooked River

2004-04-01T19:55:00+12:00

[30 March] NZPA report (temporary link) a 19 year old British paddler drowned on the Crooked River on Monday 29 March. Apparently, the victim fell out [of] her kayak, was trapped by a rock and drowned. One of her companions walked out through bush to raise the alarm, and another paddler was found by rescuers in the night. The body was recovered by helicopter around 10am this morning. Update, 31 March: The NZRCA has made a Media Release on the Crooked River accident (PDF, 193k) offering condolences to those affected and praising the professionalism shown by the Tasman Whitewater Response
Unit in effecting the recovery of the woman’s body. Eleanor Rutter was working as an outdoor pursuits instructor in New Zealand, and last year was a winner in the Peak UK Himalayan White Water Challenge in Nepal. Update, 1 April: Companions tried in vain to save kayaker (temporary link).

Safety