Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed the discovery of a body during the ongoing search for a kayaker who went missing in the Tiverton area last week. The man, who is in his 40s, was reported missing after getting into difficulty while kayaking on the River Exe near the Great Western Bridge.
Search Operation Launched After Kayak Recovery
The police were initially called to the scene at 3.50pm on Friday, January 24, following reports that a kayaker had encountered problems on the water. Subsequent search efforts led to the recovery of the man's kayak, but the individual himself remained unaccounted for throughout the following days.
Body Retrieved from River Exe
On Thursday, January 29, authorities announced that a body had been retrieved from the River Exe. A spokeswoman for Devon and Cornwall Police stated that while formal identification procedures are still pending, the family of the missing kayaker has been informed about this significant development in the case.
The police spokeswoman emphasised: "Formal identification has yet to take place but the family of the missing kayaker – a man in his 40s – has been made aware of this development." The statement underscores the sensitive nature of the situation as authorities work to confirm the identity while supporting the affected family.
Community Impact and Safety Considerations
This tragic incident has undoubtedly affected the local community in Tiverton and the wider Devon area, where kayaking and other water sports are popular activities. The search operation involved multiple agencies working along the River Exe, highlighting the coordinated response to such emergencies.
While the investigation continues, this development brings a sombre conclusion to the search efforts that began nearly a week ago. The police have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident, but the recovery of the body marks a pivotal moment in this distressing case.
