18-year-old drowns on Duke of Edinburgh expedition in Glasbury
An 18-year-old has died in the River Wye during a Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition at Glasbury in Powys. Emergency services were called on Tuesday evening after reports that the teenager had entered the water and could not be located, with the report made at 6.30pm.
Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Mountain Rescue and the National Police Air Service conducted a multi-agency search of the area. Following hours of intensive searching, officers located the body of the male.
A Duke of Edinburgh Award spokeswoman said: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that a young person has drowned while on a DofE expedition in Powys Wales. Our thoughts are with the young person's family together with all those who were taking part. We will do everything we can to support them at this difficult time."
The DofE confirmed it was liaising closely with the young person's college and relevant authorities to understand how this tragic incident happened and was offering full support to those affected.
Investigators photographed the scene at Glasbury, focusing on the shingle beach and the river below Glasbury Bridge. The teenager's friends were supported by police officers at Glasbury Scout Hut nearby.
The beach at Glasbury, known locally as The Bont, is a popular spot for families with shallow waters for paddling and deeper pools for swimming below the bridge. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a national programme which encourages personal development in young people. Emergency services remain in the area while enquiries continue.