Boy, 17, died in tragic school beach trip – principal

A 17-year-old boy died during a school trip to West Wittering beach

A 17-year-old boy died in a “tragic accident” during a school trip to the beach, the principal has said.

Emergency services were called to reports of concern for a boy’s welfare in the sea at West Wittering beach, near Chichester, at 13:00 BST on Tuesday.

The teenager was part of a group from Uxbridge College in London who had visited the area for a school trip, police said.

He was airlifted to hospital where he later died.

His next of kin have been informed.

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.”

'Difficult time'

A police investigation is under way into the death.

Det Insp 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.”

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."

Anyone with information that could help the investigation is urged to contact the Sussex Police.