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Three British tourists die climbing waterfalls in central Vietnam Three British tourists die climbing waterfalls in central Vietnam
(about 1 hour later)
Three British tourists have died while climbing waterfalls in Vietnam, and their guide is being questioned by police, officials and state media reported. Three British tourists have died in a climbing accident with an unauthorised tour guide in Vietnam.
It is not immediately known how they died in the accident near Dalat in Lam Dong province in the central highlands. The bodies of Christian Sloan, a 25-year-old from Kent, and two women aged 19 and 25 were found near the Datanla waterfall, a popular tourist spot in Lam Dong province.
Vo Anh Tan, deputy director of the Lam Dong joint stock tourist company that manages the Datanla waterfalls, said visitors usually started at the top of the tiered waterfall, which was popular among western tourists. Police believe the tourists may have slipped while taking part in an adventure game without the necessary safety equipment.
Tan said an unauthorised local private tour operator arranged the trip for the tourists and apparently did not pay for entrance tickets or use the company’s safety gear. He said the guide had been detained by police for questioning. In a tribute issued on Friday night, Sloan’s family said: “Christian’s death is a very sad loss to us. He was a very popular young man, formerly in the Royal Navy, who had many, many friends not just locally but around the world. He lived for life.”
The state-run Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper said the bodies of two British women, believed to be aged 19 and 25, and a man had been recovered. The man was named as Christian Sloan. Sloan, from Deal in Kent, is believed to have met the two women, who have not been named, while travelling.
Family and friends said they were devastated and that Mr Sloan died “whilst living his dreams”. Vo Anh Tan, deputy director of the Lam Dong joint-stock tourist company, which manages the Datanla waterfall, told local media that an unauthorised tour guide was being questioned by police.
A family statement said: “Christian’s death is a very sad loss to us. He was a very popular young man, formerly in the Royal Navy, who had many, many friends not just locally but around the world. He lived for life.” Tan claimed the Britons’ tour had been arranged by a local private tour operator who did not pay for entrance tickets nor use the company’s safety equipment. “The incident is beyond our supervision, but we are still trying to help deal with this tragedy,” he was quoted by the state-run Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.
His cousin, who goes by the name Double O on Twitter, wrote: “Devastated to hear that my cousin Christian Sloan had passed to the other side whilst living his dreams. Heart breaking rest well cuz xxx.” The bodies, reportedly found with lifejackets on, were recovered downstream from the waterfall by emergency rescue crews. According to local media reports, their guide told police that as the trio had descended towards a stream they became caught in rapids and drowned.
Lucie Elizabeth wrote on Facebook: “Cannot believe what I’ve just heard another angel taken far too soon Christian Sloan my thoughts go out to all of your family at this sad time.” The Foreign Office said: “We are providing support to the families of three British nationals following their deaths near Dalat, Vietnam.
Dozens of emergency workers climbed down a steep rocky slope near the waterfall to retrieve the bodies, which were reportedly found with life jackets on, AFP said. “Our sympathies are with their families and friends at this difficult time. We are in close contact with local authorities in Vietnam on their behalf.”
The bodies were recovered downstream. Police believe the tourists might have slipped while exploring the area, according to local news reports. Visitors usually start at the top of the tiered waterfall, which is popular among western tourists. The waterfall boasts beautiful scenery and a cable car to take visitors to the summit if they choose not to walk up a steep verge.
The British Foreign Office said: “We are in contact with local authorities in Ho Chi Minh City following an incident near Da Lat, Vietnam.” It is just over 3 miles from the resort city of Dalat, known as the “city of eternal spring” for its temperate climate, which is about 100 miles north of Ho Chi Minh City.
French colonists built the hill station using Vietnamese forced labour in the mistaken belief that its cool weather would prevent them from contracting malaria.
The area is known as a kitschy destination for honeymooners, families and budget travellers seeking day trips, hikes and adventure sports. It is also the administrative capital of Lam Dong province.