Emergency services responded to an incident at Camber Sands beach shortly before 7 p.m. BST on Sunday, where an 18-year-old male was found to be in distress in the water. The individual was pronounced dead after receiving attention from responders.
Sussex Police were called to the scene and confirmed that their inquiries are ongoing. A significant emergency presence, including helicopters and boats, was observed at the beach. The coastguard, Pett Level lifeboat, and the South East Coast Ambulance Service were all involved in the response.
One witness, who was staying at a property overlooking the beach, described the incident as "harrowing" and "tearful." The witness, identified as Stuart Ross Thomson, a former lifeguard, expressed his heartbreak at witnessing the distress of the family members involved.
Police have stated that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, and the case will be reviewed by a coroner. The individuals involved in the incident had traveled to the beach from London. Another separate incident reportedly occurred on the beach shortly before the fatality.