A CLACTON boy who died after getting into difficulty swimming near the pier drowned, an inquest ruled.

Ben Quartermaine, 15, was tragically found dead on the beaches near Clacton pier on July 28.

Ben and a friend had been out swimming in the sea near the pier almost two days earlier when they got into difficulties swimming.

Lifeboat crews managed to rescue Ben’s friend, but could not save Ben.

A documentary inquest into Ben’s death was held at Essex Coroner’s Court in Chelmsford on Friday, where coroner Eleanor McGann heard how search parties began after Ben did not resurface when swimming.

Coroners officer Mark Gooch said: “On July 26 Ben Quartermaine had been spotted swimming with a friend in the sea near Clacton pier. Residents nearby noticed that the pair seemed to have difficulty swimming.

“Ben’s head went underwater and failed to resurface, and a rescue search began. Residents, volunteers, the RNLI and the ambulance service took part in the search.

“Sadly, Ben’s body was discovered on Clacton beach on the morning of July 28, with crews confirming life extinct at 9.25am. Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.

“A post mortem was carried out which identified the cause of death as drowning.”

Mrs McGann said: “I am satisfied with the extensive investigation that no suspicious circumstances surround this death. It is crystal clear what happened.

“I am pleased to note that one boy was recovered, and I commend the efforts of those who attempted to rescue Ben, but sadly they could not reach him.

“Sometimes these appalling tragedies happen to those swimming in the sea. Ben’s death was an accident.”

She added: “I see the family made the sensible decision to not attend this inquest to save themselves going through this. I pass on my condolences to them. No words of mine can help them through the awful experience they’re enduring.”