Northumbria Police say a 14-year-old boy has died and a 13-year-old boy is in a critical condition after a shipwreck on the River Tyne in Ovingham on Saturday.
Just after 3.30pm on Saturday, police received a call raising concerns for the welfare of two teenage boys who were in the river near Obingham Bridge.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene and one of the 13-year-old boys was rescued from the water.
Police said in a statement Sunday morning that he was taken to a hospital where he remains in critical condition.
A massive search was launched, with numerous organizations conducting thorough searches of the area to find the second boy.
“Unfortunately, the 14-year-old boy's body was later found in the water and he was pronounced dead at the scene,” police said in a statement.
The parents of the two boys are being supported by specially trained police officers during this extremely difficult time.
Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Helena Barron said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident and our thoughts and continued support are with the families of both boys at this difficult time.”
“A number of government agencies are involved in this case and their assistance is greatly appreciated.
“We are very disappointed that we were not able to provide a more positive update.”
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service yesterday went to the added. Two Pegswood Swift water rescue units, Prudhoe equipment and a number of senior police officers are taking part.
“At this time we are cooperating with police, ambulance and mountain rescue teams.”
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson added: “We were called at 3.30pm today to reports of two people in the water in Ovingham.”
“We sent our entire hazardous area response team, two ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader and a police officer.
“We have also requested assistance from the Great North Air Ambulance Service.”
This is breaking news. More to come.
