Hundreds of children gathered in Hornsea to hold a vigil for a 13-year-old boy who died after being swept out to sea while playing with friends. The teen got into trouble in rough seas just 11 minutes after lifeguards had clocked off, and his body was recovered in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Vigil outside school
On Friday afternoon, his friends gathered outside Sirius West school in Hull, East Yorkshire, to pay their respects. Traffic stopped as the children released scores of balloons into the road. A teacher at the school said: “It is very sad. The school have got their own tribute inside the gates. I am sure something else will be going up. He has been here a while. He was a lovely, lovely lad. A really nice kid. It is shame these things happen.”
Another parent said: “The boy who passed away, my daughter is in his sister’s class. I think it was lovely. It is a massive thing to come and pay their respect. He is from Africa.” The parent added that his sister was crying for her friend, saying: “You are never ready for anything like this. Most of it has been done by the kids who organised it.”
Tributes and fundraising
A teddy bear tribute attached to the school fence read “Forever 13”. A GoFundMe page set up by the teen’s cousin has raised more than £1,000 towards a £5,000 target. The cousin wrote: “I want to help my auntie. She is depressed and I would love to help her emotionally and financially. Ever since my cousin's death my relatives are very sad and shocked and can’t even believe his death. All of this money will be going to the family and help them and to the siblings to help them too. I do think this will help them.”
Emergency response
Emergency services were called to South Promenade in Hornsea at around 6pm on Tuesday following reports of concern for the boy’s safety while swimming. Chief Superintendent Phil Booker of Humberside Police said: “This is an incredibly heartbreaking outcome, and our thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends at this devastating time.”
An extensive search involved Humberside Police’s Marine Unit and drone pilots, HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service. Tragically, at around 4.30am Wednesday, a body was recovered. The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the Coroner. Booker added: “We know the sadness and concern this will cause in the community, and we would ask that the family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Community support
At least 40 people have lost their lives in water-related incidents since May 24. The Mirror’s water safety campaign, Save Lives for Sam, has been backed by the RNLI and Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who are warning the public to take care in the water.
Withernsea Town Council sent its deepest condolences to Hornsea. Deputy mayor Sharon Carman wrote: “Withernsea Town Council wishes to express its deepest sympathy following the tragic incident in Hornsea. Our own community has only recently experienced profound loss on our shoreline and we understand the shock, sadness and collective grief that follow such events. Coastal communities share a particular bond. Shaped by the sea, strengthened in adversity and held together by the compassion of our residents. In moments like these, that connection feels especially strong. We stand with Hornsea’s community, its emergency responders and everyone affected.”
