Body of canoeist recovered in Xinjiang

Rescuers carry the body of a Russian tourist missing since September 2 to a helicopter in Xinjiang yesterday. Xinhua

HOTAN, Xinjiang: Rescuers have recovered a third body in their search for six Russian canoeists who have been missing since September 2 in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The body was found around 11 am on the banks of the upper reaches of the Yurungkax river. It was described as "wearing sunglasses and a helmet, carrying a bag and bare-footed". No food or drinking water were found near the body.

A Russian rescuer and two Chinese, including Zhang Shaoyun, deputy chief of the local rescue headquarters, carried the body to a helicopter, which transported it to Hotan City an hour later.