A British woman has tragically died following a white-water rafting accident on the Guisane river in Briancon, located in the French Alps. The local authorities reported that she fell from her raft shortly after noon local time on Saturday, resulting in a swift rescue operation. Firefighters discovered her on the riverbank and she was subsequently airlifted to a nearby hospital in serious condition. Unfortunately, regional prosecutor Marion Lozac'hmeur confirmed that the woman passed away later that evening.
The victim, a participant in an organized rafting tour, was navigating an area of the river informally known as "the wallet" when the incident occurred. Thus far, her identity has not been disclosed by local or international media, as authorities continue to handle the details with sensitivity. The British Foreign Office has acknowledged the situation and is currently liaising with local officials.
An investigation into "involuntary manslaughter" has been initiated, and an autopsy is planned to determine the exact cause of death. This incident marks a grim reminder of the dangers associated with white-water sports in the area. In June 2024, a British man similarly lost his life while partaking in a kayaking excursion on the Durance river, another popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts in Briancon. Both the Guisane and Durance rivers are renowned for their exhilarating rapids, though they are usually navigable only during a brief window in early summer due to seasonal conditions caused by glacier runoff.
The victim, a participant in an organized rafting tour, was navigating an area of the river informally known as "the wallet" when the incident occurred. Thus far, her identity has not been disclosed by local or international media, as authorities continue to handle the details with sensitivity. The British Foreign Office has acknowledged the situation and is currently liaising with local officials.
An investigation into "involuntary manslaughter" has been initiated, and an autopsy is planned to determine the exact cause of death. This incident marks a grim reminder of the dangers associated with white-water sports in the area. In June 2024, a British man similarly lost his life while partaking in a kayaking excursion on the Durance river, another popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts in Briancon. Both the Guisane and Durance rivers are renowned for their exhilarating rapids, though they are usually navigable only during a brief window in early summer due to seasonal conditions caused by glacier runoff.
