Fears for canal plunge Briton

A BRITISH father is feared dead after falling into a canal near Amsterdam during a holiday organised by his fiancee.

Neil Stewart, 30, pictured with fiancee Chelsea Dixon, was on a party boat celebrating his best friend’s engagement on Saturday night when he lost his balance and fell into the canal at Westzaan.

He was thrown a lifejacket but could not reach it and disappeared in rough conditions and 7C water. A search operation began immediately but there has been no sign since of the father-of-two.

A police helicopter and boats and divers from the fire service and harbour company were drafted in to help. Sonar equipment was also used. The family of Mr Stewart, from Newcastle upon Tyne, have flown out to join Miss Dixon in the hunt.