Police name boy, 15, who died after getting into difficulty in the sea at Aberavon (original) (raw)
A boy has died after an incident at a Welsh beach on Monday, June 19. After initial reports of a medical emergency, South Wales Police confirmed that a 15-year-old boy had died after entering the sea at Aberavon beach. There was a large emergency presence in the area and police asked people to avoid Aberavon beach while the incident was ongoing.
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesman initially said: “We were called on Monday, June 19, 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 coastguard was also in attendance. In a later update Chief Inspector Richard Haines of South Wales Police said: "Shortly before 7.10pm, officers were called to a report of a boy in the sea at Aberavon Beach, #PortTalbot. "We attended with a number of other emergency services.
"A 15-year-old boy was located and despite the best efforts of members of the public and emergency services he sadly passed away. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact us quoting 2300202601."
Scroll down for the latest updates on this breaking incident:
Key Events
14:09KEY EVENT
Teenager who drowned in sea named by police
South Wales Police have confirmed that the teenager who drowned in Aberavon yesterday was 15-year-old David Ejimofor from Aberavon.
Detective Inspector Carl Price said: "We continue to interview witnesses and gather evidence to establish the circumstances that led to this very sad and tragic incident. We are working with partners to support those affected and our thoughts are with David’s family and friends.”
13:38David James
School shares sadness at teenager's death
St. Joseph's Catholic School & Sixth Form Centre in Port Talbot posted a message on their Facebook page expressing sadness at their pupil's death.
Eugene Scourfield said: "We are deeply saddened by the news of the tragic and unexpected passing away of one of our Year 11 pupils. Please be assured that we have set up provision for support with the help of the NPT Counselling Service and our local clergy. Our chapel is open to pupils, parents and friends of our school community. Please keep the family in your prayers."
Replying to the post Sean Pursey - Councillor Sandfields East said: "My thoughts are with all the pupils today, losing a friend in circumstances like this will be very difficult for them. I’m glad support has been put in place so quickly.
"Having lost a friend quite young, it gets a little easier over time, but you never forget and always carry them with you."
06:45KEY EVENT
Boy, 15, died in incident
South Wales Police have confirmed that a 15-year-old boy died as a result of the incident at Aberavon beach on Monday evening.
Chief Inspector Richard Haines said: "Shortly before 7.10pm, officers were called to a report of a boy in the sea at Aberavon Beach, PortTalbot.
"We attended with a number of other emergency services. "A 15-year-old boy was located and despite the best efforts of members of the public and emergency services he sadly passed away.
"Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact us quoting 2300202601."
22:09Conor Gogarty
Another image of the Coastguard helicopter that attended
Coastguard helicopter (Image: Andrew Webber)
A witness said of the Coastguard helicopter: "At 8.24pm it landed and it took off at about 8.30pm. They picked up one of the HM Coastguard Rescue team members."
21:43Conor Gogarty
Latest images from the scene
Emergency services incident at Aberavon Beach (Image: J Curtis)
Incident at Aberavon Beach (Image: J Curtis)
21:17Conor Gogarty
Councillor's thoughts with those affected
Sandfields East councillor Matthew Crowley (Labour) told WalesOnline: "I've only seen what is online, but I understand there was an incident on the beach and a helicopter attended. Whether someone was airlifted out, I'm not sure. First and foremost, my thoughts are with the person affected, and their family as well."
21:01Conor Gogarty
Coastguard helicopter attended
HM Coastguard at Aberavon Beach (Image: Huw Richards)
Emergency services at Aberavon Beach (Image: Huw Richards)
A witness said a coastguard helicopter landed for around five minutes before leaving the scene.
20:56Conor Gogarty
More images from the scene
Police and ambulance service presence at Aberavon Beach (Image: Huw Richards)
More images from the scene at Aberavon Beach (Image: Huw Richards)