17/07/2006

Boy drowns off Portrush beach

A young boy has drowned in the sea off Portrush in County Antrim.

The teenager, who is reported to have been in Northern Ireland on holiday from Africa, got into difficulties in the water off the Whiterocks Beach.

A man who attempted to help the boy also got into difficulties and had to be taken to hospital. His condition is described as "satisfactory."

It is understood that the boy was caught by a strong offshore current and swept into deeper water.

He was later discovered in relatively shallow water by the Portrush lifeboat which was called to the scene.

(SP/KMcA)

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