CREW on a dangerous expedition along South American rivers survived a major accident thanks to helmets supplied by a Bolton canoeing wear manufacturer.

The huge reed trimaran Kota Mama III, which made history by overcoming the infamous Esperanza cataract in Bolivia, came to grief on the final chute of the 3km long Ribeirao rapids, plunging 12 of the 15 crew members into the turbulent waters of the Rio Madiera.

But thanks to helmets supplied by Wild-Water in Great Lever, they all survived.

Expedition leader John Blashford-Snell in a personal message to Wild-Water from Nova Esperenza in Bolivia, said: "Your canoe helmets saved many of the crew of Kota Mama III from serious injury during the mishap on the Ribeirao rapids."

Wild-Water helmets are used by canoeists and rafting companies throughout the world.