Two-day sea search for missing teen on holiday is called off

A major sea search for a missing 15-year-old boy has been called off after two days, the coastguard has said.

At about 15:30 BST on Sunday, HM Coastguard received a report that three people were experiencing difficulty in the water at Marloes Sands beach, Pembrokeshire.

Two managed to get out of the water, 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.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency told the BBC that there were currently no plans to resume the search.

Pembrokeshire councillor Claire George said the community had been in shock.

She said: "We're absolutely distraught that somebody has come to harm when they've come to enjoy our wonderful coastline. It's most upsetting for all of us."

Marloes, she said, was remote and hard to access, adding that some beaches were safer than others.

She said: "It's a very dynamic environment. The sea can change at any minute, the weather can change at any minute, so people need to be aware of the risks."

On social media, Angle Lifeboat RNLI said its crew "worked tirelessly" for 22 hours at sea in a major, multi-agency search for the missing swimmer.

On Sunday, Broad Haven and Dale coastguard rescue teams were in attendance, alongside RNLI lifeboats from Angle, Tenby and St Davids and a pilot boat.

A coastguard helicopter and a HM Coastguard fixed wing aircraft were sent, along with the Welsh Ambulance Service.

The search was suspended at about 03:30 BST on Monday and started again later that morning, before being called off in the evening.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said, despite an extensive search, "sadly, no sign of the missing person was found".

Angle Lifeboat RNLI added its crew had "shown immense dedication over the past two days".

It thanked the Milford Haven Coastguard for "their fantastic coordination and support" in what they said has been a "lengthy and tiring incident".

"Our thoughts are with the swimmer's family and friends at this difficult time," it added.