London student dies in ‘tragic accident’ on West Wittering beach, says headmaster | London

The death of a 17-year-old student who got into distress at sea during a college trip in West Sussex has been described as a “tragic accident” by his college principal.

Emergency services received a distress call at around 1pm on Tuesday reporting concerns for the teenager’s welfare in the water at a beach in West Wittering, near Chichester.

The boy was part of a group of students from Uxbridge College in west London who were visiting the area to celebrate the end of term.

A spokesman for the university said the student was in distress at sea and “tragically it was not possible to rescue him”.

He was flown by helicopter to hospital where his death was pronounced and his family informed, Sussex Police said.

Uxbridge College Principal Dylan McTaggart said: “This was a tragic accident which has had a huge impact on everyone here. Our priority now is to care for everyone affected. We have enlisted the help of qualified advisers and will ensure that staff and professional support are available to our community over the coming days and weeks.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we ask that you respect their privacy as they mourn the loss of a child.”

DI Darren Taylor said officers, with assistance from the Occupational Safety and Health Authority, were investigating the incident to establish the full facts.

“This was an absolutely tragic incident and I would like to express my sincere condolences to the boy’s family at this heartbreaking time,” he said.

“We ask anyone with helpful information to contact us online or on 101 quoting Operation Redhill.”