Rescue services launch massive search for missing harbour youth

A HUGE search was underway by rescue services on Thursday evening, August 2, for a youth who fell into the waters of Minehead Harbour.
The boy, believed to be in his early teens, was seen to fall from the harbour wall in front of shocked holidaymakers shortly after 7 pm.
He was heard to shout for help before disappearing under the water
Coastguards, lifeboats, a helicopter, police, firefighters, other emergency services personnel, and local boat owners totalling around 50 to 60 people were all involved in the search, which was continuing as darkness fell.
The town's harbourside was packed with visitors and local people enjoying a pleasant sunny evening when the tragedy occured.
It was not known if the youngster was local or a visitor to the town.
He was not thought to have been involved in any 'tombstoning', a practice which has been condemned by coastguards as dangerous - which involves jumping into deep water from harbour walls.
One local youth who witnessed the incident and who did not want to be named, said: "He was just sat there one minute and then we heard him shout 'help' and he was going into the water and went under."
Photo of Minehead Harbour submitted.