A TEENAGER from Colchester died after going swimming with his brothers in France.

The 13-year-old was on holiday with his family in Boulogne when the tragedy happened.

He is believed to have been swimming with his younger brothers when he was swept out to sea.

The tragic events happened at about 6.30pm on August 15 and the youngster was dragged away by an undercurrent.

His brothers, aged eight and ten, managed to raise the alarm by reaching the foot of a lighthouse.

It appears they were swimming in a channel and outside the designated areas.

A major search was launched along a ten mile stretch of coastline including helicopters and divers which continued for several hours.

However, by nightfall the teenager had not been found.

Speaking during the search Gerrard Barron, president of the lifeboat station near Boulogne, said it was not expected the boy would be found alive.

He said the channel is not used by swimmers because the water flows so quickly.

He said: “At this time of the year for somebody in tip-top condition the temperature of the water indicates a maximum survival time of about two to two-and-a-half hours.

“So obviously there is absolutely no chance of finding him alive.

“The search is now by the police and the fire brigade. It is now a judicial inquiry.”

Deputy Mayor of Boulogne, Frédéric Cuvillier, went to the beach to help with the search.

Speaking after the youngster’s disappearance he told the French press: “We do not know what has happened.

“What is certain is that the children found themselves outside the authorised zone for swimming.

“It’s a dangerous place, there is always current.”

On Sunday, August 21, a body washed up on a beach.

Forensic and DNA tests were carried out and police launched an investigation to identify the victim.

The Gazette contacted the Foreign Office but it did not respond before publication.

An inquest will be held at a later date.