A MAN died today on the River Dart not far from a hazardous stretch which canoeists and kayakers call the ‘mad mile.’

It’s understood the man, in his early twenties and from Wales, died after his kayak was trapped under a tree between Dartmeet and Newbridge in circumstances similar to those which killed a paddler at the nearby mad mile eight years ago.

All three emergency services were called to the scene after the alarm was raised at 9.30am by groups taking advantage of the sporting conditions.

Some had been seen assembling at popular meeting places in the area as early as 5.30am.

Practitioners say the mad mile is one of the best sections of caneoing river in the UK - but also one of the most dangerous.

Among those called out today was a crew from Ashburton who only the night before had taken part in river rescue training.

The stretch of river where the tragedy happened was sectioned off while the body was recovered.

Police were alerted just after 9.30am amid concerns raised by the kayaker’s group of pals at Bel Pool Island, near Ashburton.

 A police spokesman said: ‘Police, ambulance, SWIFT Fire Rescue Team, air ambulance, SAR rescue helicopter, and Dartmoor Rescue Group are all in attendance.’

He added: ‘The body of a man has since been recovered. He was declared deceased at the scene. Efforts are underway to locate next of kin.’

One witness at the scene said: ‘The guy was with a group of about six, all in their 20s and 30s. He got trapped in his upturned canoe under a fallen tree. No one could get him out. It was very sad.’

He added: ‘It happened at Bel Pool which is half-way between Newbridge and Dartmeet. I was also there when the chap died in 2009.’