Investigation underway as boy, 17, drowns in sea at Sussex beach

An investigation is underway after a teenage boy, 17, died after getting into difficulty in the sea at a beach in Sussex.

Emergency services, including HM Coastguard, were called to West Wittering beach at around 1pm on Tuesday (2 July).

The boy was airlifted to hospital, where he died. His family have been informed.

Uxbridge College confirmed the teenager was on an organised trip to Sussex to mark the end of the school term. It confirmed it is now supporting those affected.

Dylan McTaggart, principal at Uxbridge College, said: "This was a tragic accident that has had a huge impact on everyone here. Our priority now is to look after all those affected.

"We have enlisted the help of qualified counsellors and will make sure that over the next days and weeks we have staff and professional support available to our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we ask that you respect their privacy as they grieve the loss of a child.”

A spokesperson for West Wittering Estate said: “We are deeply saddened to report that a 17-year-old boy drowned yesterday after getting into difficulty in the water.

“Lifeguards deployed their equipment, including jet skis, to rush to the scene.

"Police and emergency services were there quickly with members of HM Coastguard, before the young man was transported by helicopter to hospital where he unfortunately later died.

His next of kin have been notified and our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time."

Sussex Police confirmed it is investigating the death. Detective Inspector Darren Taylor said: “This was an absolutely tragic incident and I would like to express my sincere condolences to the boy’s loved ones at this heartbreaking time.

“A police investigation, supported by the Health and Safety Executive, is underway to establish the full facts.

“We are asking anyone who has any information that could help to contact us online or via 101, quoting Operation Redhill.”

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