UTV News - University administrator dies in Bann tragedy

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University administrator dies in Bann tragedy

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police rescue boat
A canoeist who drowned on a River Bann weir is said to have safely guided his party and their canoes past the weir before getting into difficulty.

University administrator Stephen Chapman died on the River Bann after getting into difficulty in the Carnroe Lock area, near Coleraine, at around 2pm.

Emergency services were called after receiving reports that a person was in difficulty in the water and it was later confirmed that a man's body has been recovered.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances to the death and local representatives speculated that problems may have been caused after the waterway became swollen by weeks of heavy rain.

SDLP East Derry representative John Dallat expressed his sympathies following the death.

He said: "It is my understanding the canoeist got into difficulties at Carnroe about five miles upstream from Coleraine on the River Bann and has tragically lost their life.

"It is fair to say that this part of the Bann has been swollen in recent weeks as a result of heavy rain and despite being a scenic location famous for salmon fishing, would contain strong undercurrents that are perhaps not that obvious."

He added: "The River Bann has claimed many lives in recent years. I would warn those using the waterway to take the utmost care."

Sinn Fein representative Billy Leonard said he was shocked by the tragedy and said it would affect the family of the deceased, the local community and those who took part in water sports on the Bann.

© UTV News

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