Boy drowns at Whitlingham

A 13 year old boy has drowned in Whitlingham Broad. The body of the
teenager was pulled out of the broad on Sunday (17th Aug). The tragic
find concluded a search by emergency services, which included search
divers.

The boy got into difficulties whilst swimming with another at around
5.20pm. Adult family members entered the water and managed to pull one
of the boys to safety. However, the other could not be found. Members
of the public waded into the water to try and find him, and the
emergency services called.

The first response teams were on site quickly. Fire crews initially
entered the water wearing standard breathing apparatus. The Air
Ambulance and a helicopter from RAF Wattisham were also used in the
search.

The search was called off when the body was recovered at 7.25pm by a
Broads Authority diver. The boy was announced dead at the scene. An
inquest is expected to take place "in due course".

Inspector Andrew Taylor of Norfolk Police: "It's a tragic accident
that has unfolded at the broad. The boy entered the water and got into
difficulties. Despite everybody's best efforts, he did not survive.".
He also praised the actions of the fire officers who entered the water
in standard breathing apparatus as "absolutely heroic".

The police line for anyone with any information about the incident is
0845 456 4567.