British son and father tourist duo found dead in Brazil after 'being electrocuted'
Praia do Bonete (file pic)
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A father and son have been found dead after seemingly being electrocuted by a broken power cable.
The pair were found on June 30 on a coastal trail in Ubatuba, São Paulo state, Brazil between a pair of popular beaches.
Detectives said they found that their corpses sported burns consistent with receiving a powerful electric shock.
Local Brazilian media reported the father had one end of a broken mains power cable trapped underneath his leg.
Praia do Bonete (file pic)
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It has also been reported that the worried niece of the father is said to have called his phone as investigators were identifying the bodies in a desperate attempt to locate him. Their car was later discovered in a nearby car park.
Police investigating the case have registered the deaths as accidental.
Elektro, the utility company providing power to Ubatuba, expressed their condolences adding they will work with the local authorities.
A spokesperson said: "Elektro deeply regrets the accident that occurred (on June 30) at the access to Praia do Bonete, in Ubatuba, São Paulo. The company informs that it is investigating the causes and will support the authorities in everything possible to help clarify the case."
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Praia do Bonete (file pic)
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Deputy Secretary of the Tourism Department Rodrigo Andrade said the incident occurred in an area that is "not open" to ecotourism.
He said in a statement: "The Tourism Department sympathises with the incident and regrets the death of two tourists this weekend on the Fortaleza to Bonete trail.
"Unfortunately, the incident occurred in an area not regulated for ecotourism, which is an old access used by local residents and is not open to ecotourism activities."
He added: "We would like to reiterate the importance of hiring a licensed agency and qualified tour guides who can perform this activity with professionalism and competence, ensuring the safety of people on the trails."
The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) confirmed they are working with investigating officers in Brazil.
A FCDO spokesperson told GB News: "We are in contact with the local authorities following the death of two British men in Brazil."