A 20-year-old woman has died following a kayaking incident on the River Wear in Barnard Castle. Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports of a kayaker in trouble just before 2pm.

Massive Rescue Operation Ends in Devastation

Durham Police confirmed: “We’re sorry to report that a body has been recovered from the River Wear this afternoon.”

A huge rescue effort involved the County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service, North East Ambulance Service, Great North Air Ambulance, Coastguard, and the Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team.

Despite the intense search, the woman’s body was found just after 4pm.

Family Heartbroken, Support Underway

Police have informed the family, who are receiving specialist support during this tragic time.