Nischay Patel was with other youths who gone into the Waveney at Beccles Quay to cool down one evening last summer.

An inquest into his death, held on Thursday, was told the 14-year-old, who lived in the town, was not a strong swimmer and had been staying close to the bank.

Nischay was a Year 9 student at Sir John Leman High School. (Image: Newsquest)

However, when a girl who was also swimming called out that she had cramp he immediately let go of the side and went out to assist her.

At this point, Nischay - a Year 9 student at Sir John Leman High School, in Beccles - disappeared under the surface, while the girl was able to get herself to safety.

Witnesses said he did not appear to struggle or call for help and they initially thought he had been playing around.

However, friends quickly raised the alarm and the emergency services were called minutes later, at around 7.28pm.

A search was launched, with two girls running to nearby Beccles Sailing Club to say their friend was drowning near the bridge.

A club member........

© Eastern Daily Press