Vietnam waterfall deaths: Three Britons plunge to their deaths at popular Datanla falls

Three British tourists who plunged to their deaths from a waterfall in Vietnam have been named as Christian Sloan, 25, and half-sisters Izzy Squire, 19 and Beth Anderson, 25. Their bodies were discovered near the Datanla falls in the Lam Dong province.

Their bodies were found wearing lifejackets on, according to reports, and they were taken to Ho Chi Minh City, the former Vietnamese capital. An official from the company that manages the tourist area said the trio were not with an official guide and added that they had not used the correct safety equipment.

The guide was arrested and is being questioned by police. Vietnamese news site Tuoi Tre has named the tour guide as 26-year-old Dang Van Sy. Dang Van Sy said that he tried to revive the tourists.

Sloan was travelling with his friend, 25-year-old James McGlashan, who was also to join in the activity. He decided not to go on the excursion that morning after suffering from an upset stomach.

Speaking from the Sloan family home in Kent on 26 February, McGlashan's father, Alan said: "James told me they had booked a tour through a company. My son said there was a harness failure when they were on the waterfalls. That's all I know."

Sloan's family spoke of their "very sad loss" in a statement. "He was a very popular young man, formerly in the Royal Navy, who had many, many friends not just locally but around the world."

James McGlashan paid tribute to his friend and thanked well-wishers for their support. "Thank you for all the messages flooding in, have just stopped in the ambulances for a toilet break so only have wifi for 10 minutes but will try and get back to everyone once I get to Ho Chi Minh City," he posted on Facebook. "Thank you for all your support. Devastated RIP Sloan."

The UK's Foreign Office said: "We are providing support to the families of three British nationals following their deaths near Da Lat, Vietnam. Our sympathies are with their families and friends at this difficult time. We are in close contact with local authorities in Vietnam on their behalf."