Body of second Irish kayaker recovered from Ecuador river

THE body of a second young Irish kayaker has been recovered in Ecuador.

David Higgins (26), from Tralee, Co Kerry, went missing when he and four other men got into difficulty during a flash flood on the Abanico River on Saturday. His body was recovered at 5pm on Monday, local authorities announced.

The family of Mr Higgins released a statement speaking of their loss.

“David was a vibrant and special person who filled our lives with joy during his life,” the family said.

“He excelled in his studies and qualified as an engineer from UCG but it was the lure of the white water that attracted him more than anything. Having gained extensive experience and qualifications as a kayak instructor, David was lucky enough to have been able to follow his dream and work and travel doing what he loved best – kayaking white water,” it said.

David is survived by his mother Kathleen Higgins, his father Thomas O’Sullivan, and his stepfather Denis Butler.

Fellow Irishman Alex McGourty (19), who was from Co Sligo, also died.

Meanwhile, the body of British kayaker Adam Nicolas Vaughan was recovered on Monday following an extensive search. US citizen Jeremiath Stewart was rescued on Saturday while Ecuadorian kayaker Joaquin Meneses was discovered alive.