Wednesday, June 29, 2011

British Woman 'Drowned In Indian River'

Police have recovered a body in their search for missing Briton Christina Reed, who was swept away by strong currents while swimming in a remote river in India.
British Woman 'Drowned In Indian River'
Miss Reed, 25, went missing in the state of Meghalaya as she swam in the Umkynsan River with her boyfriend Anthony Biddlecombe on Saturday.
Mr Biddlecombe, 28, told rescuers his girlfriend jumped into the river - which was swollen from monsoon rains - after him for a swim, but was dragged away by strong currents.
The pair were travelling around India on a break from their teaching jobs in Chiang Mai in Thailand.
Miss Reed, originally from Torquay in Devon, taught English while lifeguard Mr Biddlecombe, from the Isle of Wight, was a swimming instructor.
He told rescuers: "We tried our best to rescue her, but we failed as she was swept away by the high current downstream.
"Christina is trapped somewhere in the river and what we need now is trained divers to help her out."
Local police officer Sunil Kumar Kataria described the area as hilly and dangerous and said water levels had risen alarmingly due to heavy rains.
On her online profile on a website for travellers, Miss Reed said: "I love life. I love dancing, chatting, laughing and cheeky banter."
Indian river PA
She described her philosophy as "never try, never know".
The Foreign Office has confirmed that a British person is missing and that it is investigating the latest reports.
An item on the Meghalaya Police website said that Ms Reed had drowned, with the body located at around 2pm on Tuesday.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are aware that a British national has been reported missing in India.
"Local authorities are investigating. We are in touch with the family and providing consular assistance."

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