Belgian kayaker drowns at North Cape

A 31-year-old Belgian man from Lier drowned just before reaching his final destination after a journey of more than 4,000 km. The experienced kayaker departed from his hometown of Lier four months ago, and headed for the North Cape in Norway, the northernmost point of Europe, report Mediahuis newspapers.

Michiel Delille’s intention was to kayak all the way to the North Cape via the rivers Nete and Meuse, among others. His journey went smoothly for the most part, according to the letters he sent home to friends and family to reassure them. However, just 30 km from his final destination, the dot on the GPS that was tracking Delille disappeared from the screen.

Shortly thereafter, fishermen found his lifeless body, and his kayak turned up several days later. The man drowned in the Barents Sea. The exact circumstances are not yet known.