Hendri Coetzee
Sad news coming through from the Eddie Bauer First Ascent crew, who are reporting that South African whitewater guide, Hendri Coetzee, who was leading First Ascent kayakers through the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was pulled from his kayak on the Lukuga River by a crocodile and is now presumed dead.
Coetzee, an experienced whitewater guide with a wealth of local knowledge, was leading a First Ascent kayaking team including Ben Stookesberry, Chris Korbulic, Jesse Coombs and Darin McQuoid. Ben and Chris, who were with Hendri when the attack occurred (Jesse and Darin returned to the US in November, after the first leg of the trip), were able to paddle away and are apparently safe.
The paddling expedition was the first of its kind. The team set out from the headwaters of the White Nile and Congo Rivers, with the aim of exploring the little known whitewater rivers that flow into the DRC. The mission also aimed to focus attention on the clean water crisis in Central Africa.
Our sympathy goes out to all Hendri’s friends and family members.
For the full article please go to Outer Edge.
45 Comments
Sometimes one doesn't have the option to "remember how dangerous Africa is". 100's of 1000's use the croc infested rivers river daily to drink, wash, survive - they don't assess the risks as they have no other option. Access to clean and safe water was one of the issues profiled by this expedition
ReplyI don't think the phrase "he died doing what he loved" doesn't really apply to the way this poor guy met his death BUT it is far better than the disgusting and sick comments a lot are writing. Watch out cause "what goes around comes around" and your life is not done yet. SICKO!!!!
Replypoor guy. Not sure what he could have done to avoid that except avoiding croc infested waters; or maybe using canoes instead.
ReplyI think most of us take a chance if we enjoy what we do, i've water skiied in Bays with sharks around, numerous times. You don't hear about an attack every day do you? ..it's just back luck if you get caught...some people do far more dangerous things & they're still alive.... Don't u agree
ReplyAll that was found floating downstream was his bung hole.
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