Locals have reacted in horror after a teenage boy drowned on a school trip to a Sussex beauty spot popular with celebrities.
Lifeguards on jet skis raced to save the 17-year-old who got into difficulty in the sea at West Wittering beach on Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency services were called at around 1pm with police and coastguard crews attending the scene.
Classmates from his school in London watched in horror as he was airlifted to hospital.
It is believed he was one of around 50 pupils on a coach trip to on Tuesday morning.
One eyewitness told the Brighton Argus: ‘I was at the beach from around 1pm. Suddenly there were loads of police and coastguard.
The 17-year-old was on a coach trip to West Wittering when he got into difficulty in the sea
Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports of a child in difficulty at around 1pm on Tuesday
West Wittering in Sussex is popular with tourists and can draw up to 20,000 visitors a day
‘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.’
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: ‘Emergency services and HM Coastguard were called to concerns for a boy’s welfare in the sea off West Wittering beach at around 1pm on Tuesday, July 2.
‘A 17-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital, where he was sadly confirmed deceased.
‘His next of kin have been informed. An investigation is underway to understand the full circumstances of the incident.’
Officers from the Met police broke the news to his parents on Tuesday afternoon.
An ambulance spokesman confirmed the boy was flown direct to hospital by the Coast Guard.
A spokesperson for the private West Wittering Estate said the boy drowned despite the best efforts of lifeguards and emergency services.
It is believed he was one of around 50 pupils on a coach trip to West Wittering. (Pictured: Emergency services at the scene)
‘We are deeply saddened to report that a 17-year-old boy drowned yesterday after getting into difficulty in the water.
‘Lifeguards deployed their equipment, including jet skis, to rush to the scene.
‘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.
‘His next of kin has been notified and our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.’
The West Wittering Estate was set up to preserve the natural environment for the public. The area is also home to celebrities including actress Kate Winslet.
According to local tourist bosses, the beach is visited by around a million people a year and up to 20,000 people can can visit on single days during the peak summer season.
