Shillong :British National Presumed Dead after Kayaking on the Umngi River

Shillong has fast become a hub for extreme sports and with its scenic beauty and the hills -kayaking has become an attraction for many foreigners who would like to give in a hand to this sport.

A British citizen, Elizabeth Hume (Beth), went missing while kayaking on the Umngi river near the village Kenbah, Phlangwanbroi, Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills on November 5 at around 1 pm.

She was on the third day of a trip down the river, paddling as part of an experienced international team of 5, with a combined kayaking experience of over 75 years. Beth got into difficulties at the base of a waterfall. After being unable to escape the tow back, she exited her kayak and disappeared beneath the water, becoming stuck on a submerged obstacle. Her kayak and paddle washed free. The accident occurred during the afternoon , her friends and colleagues spent almost 4 hours in search of her but all in vain .

The authorities were intimated by around 4pm

Over the next three days, attempts to retrieve Beth's body were made by the State Disaster Response Force, Meghalaya Fire Service, Meghalaya Police, local villagers, Shillong outdoor enthusiasts, National Disaster Response Force, and an additional team of experienced international kayaksers. Local villagers volunteered to search the river sections below the accident site but to no avail.

The family members of the British National have been notified and there are people who have been asking the authorities if proper safety measures permission  were taken or provided before these adventurist come/.