British woman dies during white-water rafting excursion in French Alps

A British national has died following a white-water rafting accident on the Guisane river near Briançon, in southeastern France – a region popular for high-adrenaline adventure tourism, particularly in the summer months.

According to French authorities, the woman fell from her raft shortly after midday local time on Saturday while navigating a stretch of the river known as ‘the wallet’. She had been part of an organised rafting excursion. Emergency services located her on the riverbank and airlifted her to hospital in serious condition, but she later died from her injuries.

The regional prosecutor, Marion Lozac’hmeur, confirmed to AFP news agency that an investigation into “involuntary manslaughter” had been opened, and an autopsy was due to be conducted. The woman has not been publicly named. The UK Foreign Office said it was supporting the woman’s family and liaising with local authorities.

The incident raises fresh concerns about the safety of extreme sports excursions abroad and the critical importance of appropriate travel and adventure sports insurance cover.

The Guisane river, along with the nearby Durance, is a well-known destination for white-water rafting, fed by snowmelt and glacier runoff. These conditions can result in unpredictable water levels and powerful rapids, especially in early summer when the rivers are at their most navigable.

This is not the first fatality in the area. In June 2024, a British man died while kayaking on the Durance after a period of heavy snowmelt. Two others in his group were rescued uninjured.

With growing interest in adventure travel, insurers are reminded of the heightened risks associated with seasonal water sports and the need for travellers to verify whether such activities are covered under standard policies or require additional protection. Risk assessments and clear communication around policy exclusions are key in mitigating claims and supporting policyholders during medical emergencies abroad.

Tim Riley, Managing Director of True Traveller and Chairman of the Association of Travel Insurance Intermediaries (ATII), recently spoke with ITIJ about the latest trends in adventure travel.