News

Investigation into death of British tourist on the Rhone

A British tourist has died after being thrown from a boat on the Rhone in France when it hit a beacon in the river.

Jess Wilkes, a 27-year-old mother of a seven-year-old daughter from Kent, had spent the evening on the river island of Barthelasse with eight friends, say reports.

The incident happened in Saturday night as the group was returning to nearby Avignon on the 23 foot boat.

The vessel was said to have “violently” struck the beacon in the river. Wilkes’s body was later found by divers.

Five other people, including one Briton, were taken to hospital after the collision, two of them with serious injuries.

Police are now investigating the cause of the accident and the father of the deceased has demanded answers over the death of his “beautiful young girl who lived life to the full”.

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.