Fatal entrapment on Kaituna’s Awesome Gorge

2007-08-20T11:40:20+12:00

A visiting paddler from the United States died after becoming entrapped in several trees while running Awesome Gorge at high flow yesterday (Sunday 19 August). The kayaker, aged 23, was in a party of four boaters, described as experienced. The section of gorge is very narrow (approx. 3m wide) making it difficult to avoid fallen trees. His body and kayak were recovered by local paddlers later that day, after the control gates had been closed to reduce flow.

Safety