Tributes left at the scene. Picture by PA. (s)
A FATHER and son who died after the rowing boat they were in capsized on the River Avon at Barford have been named as 42-year-old Julian Mynott and three-year-old Freddie.
Also in the boat were his daughter Florence and his son Archie. They were both rescued from the river after the boat went over a weir in 'white water conditions' and overturned at around 5.30pm on Saturday (May 12).
Mr Mynott, a successful antiques dealer in Warwick, had only recently moved to the village with his family from Warwick, and it is understood he had only recently bought the boat. His 41-year-old wife Emma was not on board.
Mr Mynott and Freddie were both declared dead at the scene after their bodies were recovered from the river by a search team - which included over 40 firefighters, police, the air ambulance, paramedics, together with local residents – some three hours after the tragedy.
Florence and Archie were pulled from the river soon after the accident by a passer-by and a police officer. The girl suffered a heart attack and was given CPR by her rescuers on the riverbank before before being taken to Warwick Hospital by ambulance. She was later transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital where she is reported be seriously ill but stable. The rescued boy who was remains in Warwick Hospital in a conscious but poorly condition.
Police paid tribute to the response of villagers.
A statement issued by the force said: "All the emergency services involved in the operation have expressed their thanks to the people of Barford for their help and support during what has been an extremely difficult and tragic incident and their thoughts are with the bereaved."
Asst Ch Fire Officer Jim Onions, of Warwickshire Fire Service, said it was a " terrible, traumatic incident" and added some emergency service workers had been in tears.
He described the river as “white water conditions” and moving very fast.
A media briefing at the scene of the tragedy. Picture by Caters. (s)
One written tribute. Picture by PA. (s)
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