TRIBUTES FOR KILGARVAN KAYAKING ACCIDENT VICTIM BRITA
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for the Dublin kayaker who lost her life in a tragic accident just outside Kilgarvan on Sunday afternoon.
At around 12pm on Sunday gardaí, ambulance, Kenmare Fire Service, Killarney Water Rescue, Kerry Mountain Rescue and the coastguard were all called to the aid of a group of five kayakers who got into trouble at a popular kayaking spot on the Roughty River just outside Kilgarvan.
The group had entered the water at Loobridge just outside Kilgarvan and were making their way down the river when they got into difficulty.
The Kerryman understands that the woman became trapped under a tree trunk in the water.
Despite efforts to rescue her she tragically lost her life and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 35-year old woman has been named as Brita Waters, who was originally from Dublin and who was a member of the Lir Canoe Club.
Tributes have been pouring in for Ms Waters.
She was accompanied on the trip by her partner and friends; they were too devastated to speak at the scene of the incident on Sunday afternoon.
The woman’s body was removed from the scene around 2pm on Sunday afternoon and taken to University Hopsital Kerry, where a post-mortem was carried out. The Marine Investigation Unit will also carry out an investigation into the circumstances of the accident.
Kenmare Gardaí remained at the scene along with some members of the group following the removal of her body from the scene on Sunday.
They were left with the task of taking the kayaks out of the water. Locals also came to the scene to offer their support to the search and rescue crews.
The River Roughty is a popular kayaking waterway with kayakers regularly coming to the river which runs through Kilgarvan.
Kilgarvan TD Michael Healy Rae, said that the whole community was shocked to learn of the accident.
“It is sad day for everyone. We in Kilgarvan are always so welcoming to the kayakers that come to use the River Roughty,” he said. “They are safety conscious and competent, and this was an accident that could not be avoided. We are all heartbroken for the family.” He also praised the emergency services and locals who assisted.