Police warning after canoe drama

11:10am Sunday 7th September 2008

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CANOEISTS have been urged to stay away from flood-swollen waterways today after some of Britain's leading exponents got into difficulties on the River Tees.

Police criticised them after they sparked a search when they got into trouble after taking to the flooded river yesterday.

Police said the the six sportsmen were very experienced and in the top 20 in the country.

Emergency services were alerted after three members of the party, aged 27, 19 and 15, got into difficulty in the water, which was swollen by recent heavy rain, Durham Police said.

A police helicopter was scrambled in the rescue when the three disappeared after taking to the water above Winston Bridge, near Barnard Castle, in County Durham.

They were eventually found a mile downstream at Gainford. Two of the canoes were lost in the drama, a spokesman said.

Acting Sergeant Peter Moore said all three had got into difficulty and were swept downstream after their craft overturned.

One of the canoeists was able to stay with his craft and went to the aid of the others, he said.

The police officer added: "We have spoken to all the canoeists about the wisdom of going into heavily flooded water.

"Although they might claim they were very experienced, they were unable to cope with what the river had to offer and were fortunate to escape unscathed."

The police officer said the group came from across the country, including Kent and Oxford. Others were from Billingham, Seaham and Darlington.

He urged other canoeists who were planning to come to the same venue today to stay away.

"No matter how experienced they feel they are, in present conditions they are putting not only themselves but members of the public and members of the emergency services at risk," he added.