Fears for British extreme kayaker who went missing after becoming 'trapped underwater'
There are increasing concerns over a British extreme kayaker who is 'considered missing' after he became 'trapped underwater', it has been reported.
Bren Orton 'did not resurface' after getting into a kayaking accident on the Melezza River in the Ticino Region of Switzerland four days ago.
The 29-year-old, who broke a world record for descending a 128ft high waterfall in a kayak in 2018, went missing on Thursday (16 May) at around 2.45pm, according to police.
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A Ticino police spokesman said: "Shortly before 2.45pm in the area of Palagnedra, a man who was previously in a kayak was reported missing in the Melezza river.
"The searches - currently unsuccessful and still ongoing - began immediately and involve agents from the cantonal police and, in support, from the Ascona police as well as rescuers from the Locarnese and Valli Ambulance Service."
Pyranha, who make specialist kayaks, also said: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce an accident involving Bren Orton.
"While kayaking with a group on the Melezza River in Switzerland, Bren became trapped in a recirculating feature and did not resurface.
"Authorities and friends are tirelessly continuing their search efforts, and at this time, Bren is considered missing."
It is believed that Orton may have been 'trapped' by currents underwater, The Daily Mail reports.
According to the publication, police also said he had been 'sucked' out of his kayak and had not been located since.
Orton first fell in love with the sport after going on school trip to the Lake District when he was nine.
As reported by Metro, Orton had previously said: "In the lead up to getting paid to go kayaking, I think I've worked almost every job possible.
"I worked in a call centre, as a labourer on a building site, in a gym, at the national Watersports Centre and as a gravedigger.
"I did some medical trials to earn money as well.
"I only did the grave-digging for a few months, but the medical trials were the big one, even if they were a bit sketchy."
Orton has since developed a large following online, with 33k subscribers on YouTube and over 57k followers on Instagram.
Before he went missing last week, he shared a video of himself kayaking in Italy.
His caption on the post (14 May) read: "Love this tricky little waterfall sequence but I have a lidl bit of a mental gremlin with that bottom hole and the gnarly story’s from things that have happened there… that and one time I sent it at hiiiigh water and it almost got me… must overcome my inner sissy next lap and sweep boof it in the middle - notes from my river log book."
LADbible has contacted Ticino police for further comment.
Anish Vij