Drowned British tourists named

http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/sep/28/drowned-british-tourists-vietnam-named

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Police today named two British tourists who drowned when a boat overturned in seas off Vietnam.

Tim Roney, 21, was from Sarratt, Hertfordshire, and Karen Puddifoot, 27, was from Northwood, north-west London, said Hertfordshire police.

The pair died alongside a French man and two Vietnamese people on Thursday when the vessel capsized in heavy winds with 25 passengers and seven crew members on board. It was sailing in choppy seas in Halong Bay, a popular holiday spot, the Foreign Office said.

The Britons, who were friends, were taking part in an around-the-world trip to raise money for the British Lung Foundation.

British embassy officials travelled to the bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, 100 miles east of Hanoi, to help officials confirm the identity of the two Britons.

Other passengers were treated in hospital for shock and hypothermia after the incident, according to reports.

Their families paid emotional tributes to them. Roney's mother, Karen, his father, Alan, stepfather Martyn and brother Simon said in a statement: "We cannot believe what has happened. There are no words to describe what we are going through. Tim meant so much to us and we will miss him so much."

Puddifoot's mother, Mei, father Michael, brother Chris and sister Catherine said in a statement: "Karen was extremely popular and had a lot of friends. She was talented, hardworking, independent, strong-willed and brave. Losing Karen has left a deep hole in our family.

"Karen will be deeply, deeply missed by us, her grandparents and her friends. Our family and friends have been hugely supportive during this sad time and we are very grateful to them."

Roney was a keen sportsman and enjoyed playing golf and tennis. He was a qualified ski instructor and had spent time teaching in Canada.

His family added: "Tim was extremely sociable, talented and adventurous and always had a smile on his face. We are sure he would have planned similar trips in the future."

Puddifoot worked in the film industry, as well as doing work in theatre and television.

Halong Bay is a favourite getaway with British travellers, especially divers because of its coral reefs and freshwater swamp forests.

Sunny Bui, manager of Cruise Halong, one of the tour operators that run boat trips to Halong Bay, said an accident of this scale was almost unheard of in the area.

"It never happened like this before. There was no warning. [Tour operators] usually hear of typhoons and strong winds in the weather forecast, but this was a whirlwind that only lasted for 15 or 20 minutes, and nobody knew about it."