Crocodile Attack: Brits Ian Turton And Michael Easton Feared Dead After River Trip In India

Two British Men Feared Dead In India After Crocodile Attack
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A crocodile attack has reportedly left one British man dead and another missing after a river trip in India.

The men, reported to be Ian Turton, from York, and Michael Easton, from Holland Park, west London, went missing during an excursion on the Cauvery River near Bangalore, India.

One of the men is dead, thought to be Turton, while the other, believed to be Easton, is still missing. It is thought the men may have been eaten by crocodiles as rescuers are reported to have found the pair's inflatable dinghy, which bore puncture marks believed to have been caused by the creatures.

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Ian Turton is feared dead

The Foreign Office said local authorities are continuing to search the area.

A spokeswoman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national while on an excursion on the Cauvery River near Bangalore, India. Another British national is still missing.

"The local authorities continue their search of the area. We are providing consular assistance to the families."

Tributes were paid to Turton by his employer, US company Tenneco Automotive.

Sandro Paparelli, vice president and general manager of Tenneco Ride Control Europe, said: "Ian was a valued member of our advanced manufacturing and engineering team and worked in a variety of Tenneco locations to support the company's international expansion.

"He was a much appreciated colleague and leaves many friends all over the Tenneco world.

"We are all profoundly saddened by this tragic loss of life and extend our deepest sympathies to Ian's family and friends."

Yesterday Turton's brother Nigel described him as a "very resourceful, adventurous man".

The 497-mile long (800km) Cauvery River runs across three of the southern Indian states, including Tamil Nadu, where Mr Turton is reported to have been working for US company Tenneco Automotive.

The river is said to be infested with crocodiles, leading to speculation the men could have been attacked as they travelled down it.