Teenager drowns in beach tragedy

The accident happened on Whiterocks Beach at Portrush

A 15-year-old boy has drowned after getting into difficulties in the sea close to Portrush in County Antrim.

The boy was playing with a friend at Whiterocks Beach on Monday afternoon when it happened.

A man in his 60s who went to help the boy also got into difficulties and was taken to Coleraine Hospital. He is said to be in a satisfactory condition.

Gordon Munro from the Coastguard said the boy got into trouble after being caught by a tide-rip.

"The tide undermined his feet and he must have been tumbled away underwater," he said.

Surfer Darren Eccleston said he rushed into the water to help

"He was recovered from about 2m depth of water by lifeboat crewmen."

Surfer Darren Eccleston was on the beach when the accident happened.

"We immediately ran over and started paddling out to see if we could see anything in the water," he said.

"It was quite choppy and we just couldn't find anything."

East Londonderry UUP assembly member Norman Hillis said the tragedy "highlights yet again the real danger the sea can present even when the weather is fine".

There are strong currents which can easily take swimmers into danger - I would appeal to people to be extremely careful in the water and only use designated areas which are patrolled by lifeguards," he added.

Coleraine Borough Council had launched a beach lifeguard service on the beach at the beginning of this month.