Found Deceased Holland - Richard Cole, 30, Amsterdam, 25 January 2016

[sherlockh]

This Dutch article says the dog became restless on a certain spot and then the police searched there with divers and sonar and found him. Amazing dog.
http://www.parool.nl/parool/nl/4/AM...aam-van-man-aangetroffen-in-Herengracht.dhtml

There is a little video of the dog 'Spencer' on the police FB.
https://www.facebook.com/politieAmsterdam/

 

[otto]

I don't understand how someone can drown in these waters. The fall is not very deep, the water is pretty calm.

"- Drowning in the canals
It may sound silly but about 15 people drown in Amsterdam's water every year. Most of them are drunk guys taking a pee into the canal, toppling in and not being able to climb out before they get too cold to control their muscles. The city has plenty of safe urinals in the touristy areas. Apart from the dangers, peeing in a canal can make you end up with a €130 fine. "

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Travel-g188553-c198229/The-Netherlands:Safety.In.Amsterdam.html

 

[Elainera]

Yea I thought it would probably be the cold, and with alcohol in the system you lose body heat even faster.

Still, it seems a comparatively easy predicament to get out of.

 

[JanetElaine]

Tourists frequently underestimate the danger of the canals. Like cuffem has said, most of the deaths are guys who fall in while trying to relieve themselves. Here's an article with some stats: http://www.amsterdamology.com/2013/02/25/an-unexpected-danger-in-amsterdam/

The sides of the canals are brick and are quite high, even when water is at a normal level. It's not that easy to climb out of. There are life lines and ladders installed but try and find those in the dark... plus being intoxicated, cold, scared, the water is filthy and you've probably swallowed a good gulp of it... if you're on your own without buddies nearby you're chances actually are not that good.

 

[Legally Bland]

RIP Richard.

 

[sherlockh]

Confirmation. RIP Richard.
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...ecover-body-of-briton-richard-cole-from-canal

 

[pappa rob]

I don't understand how someone can drown in these waters. The fall is not very deep, the water is pretty calm.

The waters cold and once you go in it's difficult to find a way to get out. You need to find a ladder to get out.
RIP Richard.

 

[CoverMeCagney]

Very sad indeed. RIP Richard.

 

[dalsglen]

So sad to see this news. Ive no doubt he was a brilliant, adventurous fun loving bloke. RIP Richard

 

[pinklilies]

Yea I thought it would probably be the cold, and with alcohol in the system you lose body heat even faster.

Still, it seems a comparatively easy predicament to get out of.

Take a look at this video, taken in daylight with others around.

http://www.dutchamsterdam.nl/2152-amsterdam-canals-drownings

Eta a word...

 

[Alyce]

Oh what sad news.

RIP Richard. Another young person gone far too soon.

Condolences to his family and girlfriend x

 

[CoverMeCagney]

Take a look at this video, in daylight with others around.

http://www.dutchamsterdam.nl/2152-amsterdam-canals-drownings

Shows how easy it is to fall in and how hard it would be to get out on your own! Bit shocked the 2 boats just went by without trying to help, one person was even taking photos.

I am guessing the police know most of the victims were having a wee due to the state of undress.

 

[pinklilies]

Shows how easy it is to fall in and how hard it would be to get out on your own! Bit shocked the 2 boats just went by without trying to help, one person was even taking photos.

I am guessing the police know most of the victims were having a wee due to the state of undress.

I know, and we could hear laughing, people must just become so used to it. You could tell they'd had a few but imagine if you were by yourself, in the dark, lost your balance. Don't really stick a chance do they.

And yea, agree about how the police would know the deaths were accidents. Awful isn't it. 51 deaths in three years.

RIP to Richard.

 

[gregjrichards]

Very sorry to read it has been confirmed the remains are Richard's. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. I didn't realise how difficult it was to get around in Amsterdam on foot and the dangers of the canals. It would be impossible for me with my disability.

Thank you to all of you for your updates, posts and for caring about Richard. It has been interesting to read first hand about the city from those of you who have been.

R.I.P Richard Cole

 

[Purplepixii]

Confirmation. RIP Richard.
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...ecover-body-of-briton-richard-cole-from-canal

Oh no
So sorry for Richard's family & loved ones :rose:

 

[dalsglen]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3427997/Body-missing-Briton-vanished-night-drinking-Amsterdam-canal.html

Died from an act of violence according to the mail

 

[dotr]

Missing Gloucestershire man Richard Cole's life was taken 'by an act of violence' in Amsterdam, according to the boss of the auction house in Stroud he was working for.

The 30-year-old was travelling in Holland when he went missing in Amsterdam last Monday. Late last night his body was found in a canal in the city centre.

Dutch police have said they do not know how he ended up in the water but told ITV News they have not ruled out suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

http://www.itv.com/news/west/2016-02-02/was-gloucestershire-man-violently-killed-in-amsterdam/

 

[Elainera]

RIP Richard.

 

[CoverMeCagney]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3427997/Body-missing-Briton-vanished-night-drinking-Amsterdam-canal.html

Died from an act of violence according to the mail

Actually wasn't expecting that

 

[gregjrichards]

"Lyn added: "We have all spent the past week trying to think positively. But to hear that his life has been taken by an act of violence is just devastating. We have no words to say exactly how we feel.

"Our thoughts are with his family."

Gloucestershire police, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office would not comment on the nature of his death.

“Authorities in the Netherlands have confirmed the death of a British national, who was initially reported missing in Amsterdam,” said an FCO spokesman. “We are providing the family with assistance and support at this difficult time.”

A spokesman for Amsterdam police said they did not know how Richard died and are still investigating.

In a statement, Amsterdam police said: “On Monday, February 1 in the Herengracht (we) found a man's body.

“Research has shown that this is the missing Briton Richard Cole. Police are investigating how he got into the water.”

Read more: http://www.stroudlife.co.uk/Act-vio...tory-28655505-detail/story.html#ixzz3z8V3COr6

I wonder if Richard's family believe he was pushed or whether the police are telling them privately he was. It would be terrible to think he was deliberately pushed and for the person responsible not be held accountable. Hopefully further information will be provided.