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British tourist drowns in Kenya

Kim Pilling,Press Association
Monday 14 September 2009 00:00 BST
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A 19-year-old British woman has drowned in Kenya, the Foreign Office has confirmed. Siobhan Meadwell, from Wigan, Greater Manchester, was on holiday in Mombasa when she died during a boat trip.

Three other Britons were involved in the incident last Tuesday, including her boyfriend, who was reported to have needed hospital treatment but was later discharged.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a British national of that name drowned off the coast of Mombasa.

"Her next of kin have been informed and are being given consular assistance.

"Three other British nationals were involved and one man was taken to hospital and then released on September 12."

The spokeswoman said she did not know if Kenyan police were investigating the drowning.

It is understood that Miss Meadwell, of Carr Mill Road, Billinge, worked for St Helens Council and left the UK for southern Kenya on Friday, September 4.

Scores of tributes were left on her Facebook social networking internet page.

Tahana Rimmer wrote: "i cant believe it, thanks for looking after me in work when i started you are the kindest person i no and this is so unfair!! love you loads siobhan xxx."

Debbie Jones posted: "such a tragedy, our thoughts are with the Meadwell family, Siobhan was a very special young lady and will be missed by all."

While Linda Thwaite commented: "To darling Siobhan and her family. Sorry to hear of this sad news. You were a beautiful baby and have grown into a lovely young woman. God must want you so badly to take you away at such a young age. You will always be in my thoughts and one day we will meet again in paradise. In the meantime the angels will look after you. R.I.P Siobhanxx."

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