A 17-year-old pupil from Hampton School in London has died while snorkelling during a school trip to Lake Malawi, local police have confirmed. The boy, identified as Eugene Enoch Kwon by the Malawi Police Service (MPS), disappeared during an organised activity at Cape Maclear on Lake Malawi, prompting an urgent search by local divers. He was later discovered underwater and taken to Monkey Bay Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police investigation underway
Superintendent Patrick Mussa of the Eastern Region Police Headquarters stated that Eugene's disappearance triggered an immediate search operation. 'After an extensive search, divers located him underwater,' Mussa said. 'Police in the Eastern Region have since expressed their condolences to the bereaved family, while investigations into the incident continue.'
School expresses deepest sympathies
Hampton School, an independent boys' school in Richmond upon Thames, acknowledged the tragedy and extended its sympathies. A spokesperson told the BBC: 'Our thoughts, love and deepest sympathies are with the pupil's family and loved ones at this unimaginably difficult time. At present, our focus is supporting the pupil's family and everyone affected within our school community.'
Recent similar tragedy in Wales
The incident follows the death of 18-year-old Umar Dumbuya, a 'much-loved student' from London, who died after entering the River Wye during a Duke of Edinburgh expedition in Powys on 30 June. Emergency crews were alerted after reports that a male had gone into the water and could not be located. Umar was a student at Leyton Sixth Form in east London, where a GoFundMe page was set up to support his family. Staff wrote: 'It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking loss of a much-loved student who tragically passed away in a sudden accident. Umar will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and the positive impact he had on his family, friends, classmates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.'
