Port Talbot: Boy who died after beach rescue operation named

Emergency services were called to Aberavon beach on Monday evening

A boy who drowned in the sea near a popular beach has been named by police.

South Wales Police said the victim was 15-year-old David Ejimofor from Aberavon.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at Aberavon pier, Neath Port Talbot at 18:09 BST on Monday after reports of a person in the water.

St Joseph's Catholic School in Port Talbot said it was "deeply saddened" by the "tragic and unexpected passing away" of one its Year 11 pupils.

Head teacher Eugene Scourfield said on the school's Facebook page that support for pupils had been arranged.

Emergency services were called to Aberavon beach on Monday evening

"Our chapel is open to pupils, parents and friends of our school community. Please keep the family in your prayers," his statement said.

A helicopter and Port Talbot RNLI lifeboat joined the rescue operation, as well as South Wales Police.

Ch Insp Richard Haines, said: "Shortly before 7.10pm, officers were called to a report of a boy in the sea at Aberavon Beach, Port Talbot.

"We attended with a number of other emergency services.

An RNLI lifeboat responded to the incident at Aberavon Pier

"Despite the best efforts of members of the public and emergency services he sadly passed away."

The ambulance service said: "We were called on Monday, 19 June, to reports of a medical emergency at Mariners Quay, Port Talbot.

"We sent one emergency ambulance, two rapid response vehicles, a duty operations manager, and our crews were support by Wales Air Ambulance."

The RNLI said a volunteer lifeboat crew from Port Talbot launched a lifeboat on Monday evening.

"The crew were on scene alongside other emergency services. Port Talbot RNLI would like to express their deepest sympathy to the friends and family of those involved," the charity said in a statement.

Leighton Hockin, who was at the beach on Tuesday morning, said the incident was "absolutely tragic".

"A young boy only 15 years of age and just doing what kids do, but I guess they just don't see the dangers," he said.

"Nobody wants to see this happen, when you've got children or grandchildren it just really brings it home and people have to look out for each other."

Labour MP for Aberavon, Stephen Kinnock said: "I am shocked and extremely saddened to hear of the passing of a 15-year-old local boy.

"This is a huge tragedy and my thoughts are with the family of this young man."

He thanked the emergency services and said "my thoughts are also with them".

"It has been heartening to see our community send so much love to this young man's family," he added.