Raft tragedy firm branded gutless

Organisers of an adventure holiday that went wrong leaving 21 young people dead were branded "pathetic and gutless" in a trial that got under way in the Swiss resort of Interlaken today.

The court heard how managers and staff from Adventure World never contacted the relatives, instead sending them a CD tribute.

Those who died were part of group which signed up for a canyoning expedition on the Saxetbach river in July 1999. A flash flood in a narrow gorge swept them to their deaths. The victims were aged between 19 and 32 and included 14 Australians and a Briton.

Bronwyn Smith from Australia, whose 19-year-old daughter, Briana, was a victim, said of the firm: "They were too pathetic and gutless."

Eight people from action holiday which organised the canyon trip deny charges of negligent manslaughter. The trial continues.