Police name 15-year-old boy who drowned at Aberavon Beach

South Wales Police have named the 15-year-old boy who died after getting into difficulty in the sea at Aberavon Beach as David Ejimofor.

Eugene Scourfield, Headteacher at St. Joseph’s Catholic School & Sixth Form Centre where David was a Year 11 pupil expressed his shock at the news and said the school was supporting pupils.

Mr Scourfield said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the tragic and unexpected passing away of one of our Year 11 pupils.

“Please be assured that we have set up provision for support with the help of the NPT Counselling Service and our local clergy.

“Our chapel is open to pupils, parents and friends of our school community. Please keep the family in your prayers.”

Local councillor, Sean Pursey also expressed his condolences on social media: “I’m absolutely devastated to hear the news that a 15 year old boy has passed away yesterday on Aberavon Seafront.

“My thoughts are with his family, friends and the whole community at this time. I also have in my thoughts the emergency and rescue services who attended the incident.

“Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances and I would ask that the community do not speculate on social media, as this can be upsetting for the family and friends.”

Cllr Pursey also commented on the support available for other pupils at St Joseph’s school, adding that “losing a friend in circumstances like this will be very difficult for them.”

“I’m glad support has been put in place so quickly. Having lost a friend quite young, it gets a little easier over time, but you never forget and always carry them with you.”

Local MP, Stephen Kinnock added: “I am shocked and extremely saddened to hear of the passing of a 15 year old local boy.

“This is a huge tragedy and my thoughts are with the family of this young man. I give thanks to the emergency services for their hard work and my thoughts are also with them.

“It has been heartening to see our community send so much love to this young man’s family.”

A spokesperson for the RNLI at Port Talbot who launched a lifeboat as part of the emergency response said: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Port Talbot RNLI is with the friends and family of the teenager who sadly lost his life last night. Our volunteer crew attended the incident alongside other emergency services. Our deepest sympathies to all.”

Detective Inspector Carl Price from South Wales Police said: “We continue to interview witnesses and gather evidence to establish the circumstances that led to this very sad and tragic incident.

“We are working with partners to support those affected and our thoughts are with David’s family and friends.”

“Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact us quoting 2300202601.”

(Lead image: Sean Pursey)