A YOUNG boy tragically lost his life after encountering trouble in the waters at Aberavon beach. On Monday, June 19, South Wales Police responded to distress calls regarding a boy who had ventured into the sea, prompting a series of desperate rescue efforts.
Shortly before 7:10 pm, officers, in conjunction with multiple emergency services, rushed to the scene. Despite the valiant attempts made by both members of the public and emergency personnel, the 15-year-old boy succumbed to the unforgiving forces of the sea.
In light of the ongoing incident, authorities urged the public to steer clear of Aberavon beach. The Welsh Ambulance Service categorized the situation as a medical emergency. A spokesperson for the service stated, “We received reports of a medical emergency at Mariners Quay, Port Talbot, on Monday, June 19. Our response included deploying one emergency ambulance, two rapid response vehicles, a duty operations manager, and our teams were assisted by the Wales Air Ambulance.”
Additionally, the coastguard was dispatched to the scene. Matthew Crowley, the Labour councillor representing Sandfields East, expressed his concern, saying, “I have only seen what is available online, but I am aware of an incident that occurred on the beach, which involved a helicopter. Although I am unsure if someone was airlifted, my foremost thoughts are with the affected individual and their family.”
Providing an update close to midnight, Chief Inspector Richard Haines of South Wales Police released a statement, remarking, “Shortly before 7:10 pm, officers received a report of a boy in the sea at Aberavon Beach, Port Talbot. We promptly responded alongside several other emergency services. Tragically, despite the tireless efforts of members of the public and emergency responders, the 15-year-old boy could not be saved. We kindly request anyone with information related to this incident to contact us, quoting reference number 2300202601.”
For those who wish to reach out to South Wales Police, various communication channels are available. The police force can be contacted via live chat on their website at https://www.south-wales.police.uk/, online at https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo, through email at [email protected], or by calling 101.
(Cover image: Huw Richards)
