Geologist shot in Uganda attack

Carl Nefdt, from Staithes, near Whitby, was working on a barge anchored in Lake Albert when it was attacked on Friday.

The barge was owned by Canadian oil company Heritage and was being used to carry out oil exploration in the lake.

The Foreign Office confirmed the death of a British national and said it was in close contact with local police who were investigating the incident.

'Deeply saddened'

Heritage Oil confirmed Mr Nefdt's death.

A spokesman said: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life and our sincere thoughts and wishes are with the family of the deceased and other personnel involved.

"A full investigation is under way and all appropriate authorities have been informed and are involved. We are co-operating fully with the investigation."

Uganda's army said the attack was carried out by Congolese men in military uniforms.

Ugandan energy minister Daudi Migereko said: "The oil exploration crew, which was carrying out a seismic survey at a distance of 2.1 km (1.3 miles) from the international border, were attacked by three armed patrol boats from DR Congo.

"During this attack, Mr Carl Nefdt was shot and he died."

A Congolese commander confirmed the incident to the BBC but said the Ugandans fired first.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
UN mission to the DRC
International Crisis Group
Heritage Oil
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