London teen, 17, dies in 'tragic accident' at West Wittering beach during school trip
A 17-year-old student from a college in west London has died in a “tragic accident” on a school trip to a beach in West Sussex.
Emergency services received a call of concern for the teenager’s welfare in the water at a beach in West Wittering, near Chichester, at around 1pm on Tuesday.
Sussex Police said the boy was part of a group from Uxbridge College who were visiting the area on a trip to celebrate the end of term.
He got into difficulty while in the water, and ”tragically, it was not possible to save them,” a college spokesperson said.
After efforts to rescue him from the sea he was airlifted to hospital where he was pronounced dead, and his family have been informed, a police spokesman added.
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
Detective Inspector Darren Taylor, West Sussex
Uxbridge College principal Dylan McTaggart 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 police investigation is under way into 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 under way 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.”
A spokesman for West Wittering Estate said the boy drowned after getting into difficulty in the water.
“Lifeguards deployed their equipment, including jet skis, to rush to the scene,” the spokesman said.
“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.
“Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time."
One eyewitness told the Brighton Argus: “I was at the beach from around 1pm. Suddenly there were loads of police and coastguard. “I could see lots of upset children and people from what looked like a school trip.
“It was absolutely horrendous. The tide was out at that time.”
