Second body found in Indian crocodile river

The body of the second of two British men who died during a trip on a crocodile-infested river in India has been found.

Ian Turton, from York, and Michael Easton, from Holland Park, west London, died after disappearing during an excursion on the Cauvery River, near Bangalore.

Mr Turton's body was discovered earlier this week.

Today the Foreign Office said a second body has now been found.

It said it was providing consular assistance to the men's families.

Tributes were paid to Mr Turton yesterday by his employer, US company Tenneco Automotive.

Sandro Paparelli, vice-president and general manager of Tenneco Ride Control Europe, said: "Ian was a valued member of our advanced manufacturing and engineering team and worked in a variety of Tenneco locations to support the company's international expansion.

"He was a much-appreciated colleague and leaves many friends all over the Tenneco world. We are all profoundly saddened by this tragic loss of life and extend our deepest sympathies to Ian's family and friends."

Earlier this week Mr Turton's brother Nigel described him as a "very resourceful, adventurous man".

He said he had spoken to his brother before the trip and that he was used to going on wild excursions around the world.

The 497-mile Cauvery River runs across three southern Indian states, including Tamil Nadu, where Mr Turton is reported to have been working for Tenneco. The river is said to be infested with crocodiles, leading to speculation that the men were attacked as they travelled down it.

The two friends are understood to have set out on the adventure last Saturday but failed to return and the emergency services were alerted on Monday. Their damaged canoe or raft was found on Wednesday, close to a known danger spot about 56 miles (90km) from Bangalore.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said today: "We can confirm the death of two British nationals while on an excursion on the Cauvery River near Bangalore, India. We are providing consular assistance to the families."

PA