Tributes have been paid after a teenage kayaker from the region drowned in a fast-flowing river in Scotland on Wednesday. His body was finally recovered yesterday, more than 24 hours after rescuers began their battle with the turbulent rapids. Danni Webb reports.

THE body of a teenage kayaker who drowned after becoming trapped under a rock in a fast-flowing river was recovered last night.

Simon Fletcher, of Stockton, got into difficulty after negotiating some of the most turbulent rapids on the River Tay, in Perthshire, Scotland, at about 1.30pm on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old, who was a member of the Tees Tigers Canoe Club, was kyaking along the river near Grandtully when he capsized and became submerged and wedged under the rock.

At first he was trapped in an air pocket, giving rescue workers a two-hour window in which to reach him. However, pressure from the raging torrent eventually proved too strong and the space gave way.

As darkness fell on Wednesday, rescuers took the decision to halt the recovery.

But they eventually managed to break up the kayak to free the body at 5.30pm yesterday.

Emergency services, including Tayside Police, Tayside Fire and Rescue, the Scottish Ambulance Service and the Royal Navy Helicopter, were all involved in the rescue.

A spokesman for Tayside Police said: “I can confirm the body of 19-year-old Simon Fletcher, of Stockton, has been recovered.”

Colin Hannigan, Tayside fire and rescue station manager, said: “Crews were faced with a hugely difficult scene as canoeists, both present on the river and visiting the site, attempted assistance and were observed by a large numbers of tourists visiting the popular spot for the day.

“This added distinct emotional pressures on those responding, who not only had to bring the situation under control, contain and manage the efforts of others, and render their own rescue attempts, but did so initially under the gaze of an expectant public.

“It is therefore both a tragedy and loss for the canoeist’s family and a deep disappointment to those involved whose efforts eventually proved fruitless.”

Mr Fletcher’s parents and his twin brother, Matthew, who are said to be devastated, attended the scene yesterday.

A crowd of onlookers watched in horror as the drama unfolded on Wednesday.

One onlooker said: “The rapids are pretty rough on this stretch of river and it is a really popular spot for canoeing and white-water rafting.

“The rapids come over a lot of big rocks and it seems the poor guy just got pinned underneath one of them.

“There were loads of canoes and rafts in the water and people were frantically trying to free him, but it just wasn’t happening.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr Fletcher by his friends on the social networking website Facebook.

Chris Howden said: “It proper hits home when the first person you’ve known from school and college classes in your year loses his life far too early. RIP mate.”

Christian Murray said: “RIP Simon and we love you.”

The river around Grandtully is a haven for paddle sport fanatics and is home to a host of national ranking contests.

The Scottish Canoe Association regularly holds events at the site and it has proved to be a popular training ground for some of the country’s most successful canoeists.

The Grandtully Premier Double, a canoe event planned for the weekend on the Tay, has been cancelled as a mark of respect.

A statement on Slalom UK’s website said: “Due to the tragic accident at Grandtully, as a mark of respect to family, friends and club we have decided not to hold the race this weekend.”