Man dies in kayaking accident on family day out

Updated
Man dies in kayaking accident on family day out
Man dies in kayaking accident on family day out

A father-of-two died when his kayak capsized in the River Thames as he attempted to navigate a dangerous weir.

Property developer Michael Moore, 43, capsized just 300 yards away from where his wife and two daughters were having rowing lessons.

The Daily Mail reports that he was found floating face-down near the Shiplake weir, South Oxfordshire, after he was dragged underwater for more than 10 minutes.

The accident happened last Saturday, when Mr Moore accompanied his wife Sarah, and their two daughters Imogen, 12, and Evie, 11 to Wargrave Boating Club.

Mr Moore, who was reportedly new to kayaking, was last seen paddling towards the weir before he vanished. He was later pulled out of the water by two paramedics who were holidaying at a nearby island campsite.

His brother, Tony, told the Daily Express that the weir was "lethal" and said that there should have been warning signs. He said: "It takes you like a rip tide and then that's it."

He added: "We were a really tight family and everyone is in pieces. Michael was so young, fit and full of life."

Close friend Gary Boys told the Express: "The lock keeper said it's one of the most dangerous locks around."

The Wargrave Boating club closed as a mark of respect following the tragedy and Thames Valley Police and the Environment Agency have launched an investigation.

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