Ex-BBC African head dies in sea

Kari Blackburn will be sorely missed

Former BBC World Service Africa editor Kari Blackburn has died while swimming in the sea near her home in Felixstowe, in eastern UK.

Ms Blackburn, 53, was married to a Ugandan consultant gynaecologist, Tom Boto, and they had three children.

"Kari was a very popular leader, who was devoted to the BBC World Service, and the programme makers in it," the BBC said in a statement.

She taught in a Tanzanian primary school before joining the BBC in 1977.

She went on to head the BBC Swahili and Great Lakes Service.

She had been due to take retirement from the BBC World Service Trust in a few days' time.

"Kari was a dedicated public servant who always looked after her teams, especially those in dangerous places, with great humanity and compassion," the BBC said.

"Her kindness was legendary. Our deepest sympathies go to her family to whom we are offering full support at this difficult time."