British extreme kayaker feared dead after vanishing from Swiss river as search teams comb area

A British extreme kayaker is fear dead after going missing in a Swiss river, it has been reported.

Bren Orton, 29, was on the Melezza River in the Ticino Region of Switzerland and disappeared four days ago.

Police and specialists search and rescue teams are hunting for the Brit.

He went missing at around 2.45pm on Thursday. It is feared he was pulled under by currents, according to Mail Online.

Police have said that he was “sucked out” of his kayak and is missing.

He broke a world record in 2018 after plunging down a 128ft high waterfall in Mexico in a kayak.

His disappearance was first revealed by Pyranha, the British kayak maker who supply his equipment.

A spokesmen for Ticino Police said: “Shortly before 2.45pm in the area of ​​Palagnedra, a man who was previously in a kayak was reported missing in the Melezza river.

“The searches - currently unsuccessful and still ongoing - began immediately and involve agents from the cantonal police and, in support, from the Ascona police as well as rescuers from the Locarnese and Valli Ambulance Service.”

Orton had posted footage from his kayaking trip just days before he went missing.

He was a gravedigger before becoming a professional kayaker.

His passion for the sport started at primary school on a trip trip to the Lake District.

He said previously: “In the lead up to getting paid to go kayaking I think I've worked almost every job possible.

“I worked in a call centre, as a labourer on a building site, in a gym, at the national Watersports Centre and as a gravedigger. I did some medical trials to earn money as well.

“I only did the grave digging for a few months but the medical trials were the big one, even if they were a bit sketchy.”