Grandtully rapids. Photo: Kirsty Smith CC-BY-SA-2.0

Rescuers have recovered the body of a canoeist from a Highland river.

Simon Fletcher, 19, of Stockton on Tees, Cleveland, died yesterday after his craft capsized and he became trapped under a rock in the River Tay at the Grandtully rapids near Aberfeldy.

Despite efforts from his canoeing companions and rescuers he could not be freed from the water. Tayside Police said its officers, Tayside Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service were called to the area about 1.30pm after reports the paddler was submerged and trapped under a rock.

An RAF Sea King helicopter also went to the incident and a local rescue boat and crew joined the operation.

Mr Fletcher’s body was finally recovered this afternoon.

Grandtully, about 5km (3miles) downstream from Aberfeldy, is a noted slalom course for paddlers and rafters.

The planned Grandtully Premier Double competition, due to take place this weekend, has been cancelled. A statement from the organisers 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.”

Emily Parker, a 20-year-old student from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, died in a kayaking accident on the River Coe in Glencoe on Tuesday, and Shetland resident Kester Wigram, 51, is still missing a week after he was seen leaving in his canoe.