Teenager dies after being pulled from sea off West Sussex

The 17-year-old was airlifted to hospital from West Wittering beach

Author: Ryan BurrowsPublished 3rd Jul 2024

A teenage boy has died after getting into difficulty in the sea at a West Sussex beach.

Coastguard teams and other emergency services were called to concerns for a boy's welfare at West Wittering near Chichester at around 1pm yesterday (Tuesday 2nd).

The 17-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital after being pulled from the water but was pronounced dead there.

It is understood that the boy was among around 50 pupils from London who were on a school trip at the time of the incident.

A Sussex Police spokesperson 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 2nd).

"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."

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