Tributes pour in for tragic 17-year-old who died after Sunderland sea incident

The teenager had been rescued by the RNLI yesterday after a sea rescue operation.

Northumbria Police confirmed that he had been taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infimary (RVI), with serious injuries, and he has since died.

Three other teenagers who were involved in the incident remain in a stable condition.

Since news of the death broke, there has been an outpouring of emotion on the Echo's Facebook page.

Julie Nesbitt posted: "So terribly terribly sad. All the hard work from every single person involved still couldn't help save him. Thoughts are with his family at such a devastating time. And also to those who witnessed such a tragic ordeal."

Lyndsey Michelle Maddison added: "Watched part of the rescue operation and couldn't bear to watch anymore,.so tragic for this young lad and his family. It's terrible to think how a bit fun with his friends on a beautiful day led to the death of a young lad with his whole life ahead of him - it's just heartbreaking. My sincere condolences to this lad and his family to his friends involved yesterday. Also huge respect to the emergency services that tried to save him, especially the RNLI. God bless you xx"

Ken Ellison said: "Sad to hear he never made it. Thoughts with his family. A huge thank you to the RNLI for their efforts. Remember they are self funded and all volunteers be nice to see some support and donations. For a fabulous service. Rip young lad."

Clare Ando posted: "Poor lad and poor family. We spent our childhood playing in the sea. Could happen at any time. Feel so very sad for them all."

Kylie Walt added: "I've thought about this young lad and his family all night hoping he was gonna pull through! Absolutely gutting news to wake up to! R.I.P young man and my thoughts are with his family and friends..hope the other people involved are ok X"

Donna Thomas said: "We were at the beach yesterday when this happened. We are so so sorry for your loss. Every single person was willing and praying for a safe outcome. The rescue teams were fantastic! They were coming in left right and centre. Sunderland's hearts are heavy this morning x R I P x Such a tragic outcome."

Elaine Hooks Kneale posted: "So so terrible. We were down Roker yesterday afternoon and everyone was praying he would be found safe and well. Big respect to the emergency services involved. R.I.P young man xx"

Jacqui Purvis added: "RIP young man. So sad to hear he didn't make it. Thoughts go to his family and friends. I'm sure the rescue crew who all worked together will be sad to hear of his loss too and well done to all of them who took part x"

Laura Quinan said: "So sad after seeing this rescue happen all the hard work of everyone involved especially the RNLI, thought about him all night hoping he was ok, thinking of his friends and family at this very sad time x"

Linda Johnson posted: "Absolutely tragic. It could have been so much worse, if it hadn't been for the amazing rescue effort. Thinking of his family. R.I.P. gone too soon."

Claire Duke added: "Heartbreaking to think that a fun day could turn into such heartache for many. Thinking of this boy's family and friends at this sad time. Every parent's worst nightmare to lose a child so young. God bless him x"

Tina Barella Blenkiron said: "Summer fun turned into a nightmare for all. Such a tragic incident and my thoughts are with his family and friends. Especially the two friends who were with him at the time. So so sad. RIP."

Vickie Black posted: "Aw no its so heartbreaking. Rip young man. Thinking of all the family can't begin to imagine what they must be going through so sad xx"

Edith Byrne added: "RIP, My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this devastating time, also thanks to everyone involved trying their very best to save another young life so very very sad xx"

Lea S Jones said: "This is so sad, was keeping up with it all yesterday. My heart goes out to all family and friends and anyone else affected by this tragedy. Such a sad loss, such a young life xx"

Tracie Watson posted: "RIP young man, thoughts are with your family and friends, so so sad to hear of your passing at such a young age and with a tragic situation xx"

Joanne Campbell added: "Such a tragedy. My thoughts are with his family and friends. So so sorry for your loss xx"

Claire Janes said: "This is so awful and upsetting to hear. Thoughts are with this young man's family and his friends. My heart goes out to you all xx"