Efforts Underway to Locate Missing Kayaker Bren Orton in Swiss River
The search continues for British kayaker Bren Orton who went missing following an incident on the Melezza River in Switzerland. Authorities are actively working to find Orton who disappeared last week during a kayaking adventure.
British kayaker Bren Orton, aged 29, has gone missing following an accident on the Melezza River in Switzerland last week. He was kayaking with a group near the Swiss-Italian border when he got stuck in a recirculating feature and did not come back up, according to a statement from Pyranha, the manufacturer of Orton's kayaks.
Authorities and friends are still actively searching for Bren, who is currently missing. It is important to respect the privacy of Bren's family and friends during this challenging time by avoiding speculation or sharing information about the incident.
Ticino Police stated that a man went missing while kayaking in the Melezza River around 2:45 p.m. on Thursday. The search for the man, though still ongoing, has not been successful yet. The search efforts involve Cantonal Police, Ascona Police, Locarnese and Valli Ambulance Service (Salva), and REGA (Swiss search and rescue).
The search is ongoing at the mouth of the Maggia River, where it meets the Melezza and Lake Maggiore, as confirmed by a spokesperson from Ticino Police.
Orton holds the British record for the longest drop in a kayak (128 feet) at Mexico's Big Banana Falls, having kayaked in some of the most remote and extreme locations worldwide.
In an interview with Paddling Life last year, he shared that his main focus is to become the best kayaker he can be, prioritizing smooth and impressive skills over competition and winning medals.
Former competitive kayaker James Reeves honored Orton's life and career on Facebook, expressing the pain of losing a friend to the sport every few years and how deeply this loss affects the community.
Bren Orton was not only an amazing kayaker but also a wonderful person. Since his teenage years, he has always been known for his warm smile and friendly personality. I had the privilege of mentoring Bren briefly in his early days, and it was truly inspiring to see him grow into one of the best whitewater kayakers of all time.
CNN’s Barbie Nadeau was a contributor to this report.
Editor's P/S:
This tragic news has sent shockwaves through the kayaking community and beyond. Bren Orton was an exceptional athlete and an inspiration to many. His passion for kayaking and his unwavering pursuit of excellence were evident in all he did. It is heartbreaking to think that such a talented and vibrant individual has been taken from us in such a sudden and unexpected way.
The search efforts for Bren are ongoing, and we can only hope that he will be found safe and alive. However, the chances of finding him alive after so many days are diminishing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bren's family and friends during this difficult time. We will continue to follow the search efforts closely and hope for the best possible outcome.
