Luxury operator Audley Travel admits liability for mum’s death
Long-haul specialist Audley Travel has admitted full liability over the death of a British mum-of-two in a high-speed boat crash in Brazil.
The family of Gillian Metcalf, a 50-year-old lawyer from Kent, will now be able to submit a claim for compensation.
Mrs Metcalf died from head injuries following the crash on the Rio Negro River in September 2013.
The two Brazilian boat drivers were found guilty of causing her death in 2015.
However, it has taken three years for Audley to admit responsibility for the accident, which happened while she was holidaying with her husband and two daughters.
Mrs Metcalf’s husband Charlie told the BBC the long delay had caused the family ‘a great deal of pain’.
Audley Travel chief executive Ian Simkins said: "Our deepest condolences go out to the Metcalf family.
"We are incredibly sorry for the tragic event and since then we have tried to support the family as best we can, for example providing on-the-ground support during the criminal proceedings in Brazil and admitting liability under the package travel regulations.
"At present, we are waiting for the family’s solicitors to submit a legal claim, and we hope to hear from them soon.
"We are sorry that this has taken a long time but are keen to resolve the legal matter for the sake of the family."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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