The police chief has called it an ‘incredibly heartbreaking outcome’
A body has been recovered in the search for a teenager who went missing off the coast of East Yorkshire.
The 13-year-old boy entered the water in Hornsea on Tuesday and reportedly got into trouble before disappearing.
On Wednesday morning, Humberside Police said that a body had been recovered.
Formal identification had not yet taken place, but it was believed to be that of the teenager.
His family had been informed of the development.
“This is an incredibly heartbreaking outcome, and our thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends at this devastating time,” Humberside Police Chief Superintendent Phil Booker said.
“Emergency services were called to the South Promenade in Hornsea shortly after 6pm yesterday following reports of a concern for safety involving a 13-year-old boy who had got into difficulty whilst swimming in the water.
“An extensive search operation was launched involving specialist Humberside search officers including our marine unit and drone pilots, alongside HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.
“Tragically, at around 4.30am this morning, a body was recovered from the water.”
Mr Booker said that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
A file is being prepared for the coroner.
Dozens of people have died in open water this summer amid prolonged heatwaves and hot weather across the UK.
On Monday, a 14-year-old boy died after entering the water near Millwall Outer Dock, on London’s Isle of Dogs.
Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter urged people to only swim in designated areas, and to take the time to speak with children and young people about staying safe around water.
“As the warm weather continues, I would urge everyone to remember that open water can present serious dangers,” he said.
The Royal Life Saving Society also issued a warning in response to the rise of water-related incidents and deaths in the UK this summer, most of whom were children.
The charity has urged people to “stop and think” before entering the water, and assess the surroundings and potential dangers.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of the increased risk of cold water shock, which is the body’s natural physical reaction to sudden immersion in cold water.
The response is immediate and can lead to drowning, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said.
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