Coastguard ends search for missing teen
A two-day sea search for a missing 15-year-old Yorkshire boy at Pembrokeshire's Marloes Sands beach has been called off.
A major two-day sea search for a missing 15-year-old boy has been called off. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency told the BBC there are currently no plans to resume the operation.
HM Coastguard received a report at about 15:30 BST on Sunday. Three people were experiencing difficulty in the water at Marloes Sands beach in Pembrokeshire. Two managed to get out, but the teenage boy, who was visiting the area on holiday from Yorkshire, was unaccounted for. The search was suspended at 19:30 BST on Monday.
Multi-Agency Search Effort
The search involved a large, coordinated response from multiple agencies. On Sunday, Broad Haven and Dale coastguard rescue teams attended the scene. RNLI lifeboats from Angle, Tenby, and St Davids participated, along with a pilot boat.
A coastguard helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft were also deployed. The Welsh Ambulance Service was sent to the location. The search was suspended at about 03:30 BST on Monday before resuming later that morning.
Angle Lifeboat RNLI stated on social media that its crew "worked tirelessly" for 22 hours at sea. The organization thanked Milford Haven Coastguard for "their fantastic coordination and support" during what it called a "lengthy and tiring incident."
Community Reaction and Coastal Warnings
Pembrokeshire councillor Claire George said the community was in shock. "We're absolutely distraught that somebody has come to harm when they've come to enjoy our wonderful coastline," she told the BBC. "It's most upsetting for all of us."
George described Marloes as remote and hard to access, noting that some beaches are safer than others. She issued a warning about the coastal environment. "It's a very dynamic environment," she said. "The sea can change at any minute, the weather can change at any minute, so people need to be aware of the risks."
Conclusion of the Search
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency stated that, despite an extensive search, "sadly, no sign of the missing person was found." Angle Lifeboat RNLI added that its crew had "shown immense dedication over the past two days."
The organization concluded its statement by saying, "Our thoughts are with the swimmer's family and friends at this difficult time."
