Body of missing teen found after search in waters off Browns Beach on the Yorke Peninsula

A Paralowie boy who drowned off a Yorke Peninsula beach is being remembered as a hero after a school trip ended in tragedy.

A 16-year-old teenager has tragically drowned after jumping into the ocean to help his friend, who had slipped off rocks at Browns Beach on the Yorke Peninsula.

The body of Ahmad Alfarhan, of Paralowie, was recovered by police divers just before 11.30am after an extensive sea and air search.

Ahmad Alfarhan.

The teenager was on a school trip with eight classmates and two teachers from Pinnacle College when tragedy struck on Saturday, just before 2pm.

Superintendent Mark Syrus said one of the students slipped into the ocean while fishing and his friend had jumped in to rescue him.

“(He) went in to save his mate. We really see that as a heroic act, but unfortunately it was to his demise,” he said.

“It’s very tragic.”

Supt Syrus said two other students and a teacher also jumped in to try and help.

The group, including the student who had fallen off the rocks, were able to pull themselves to safety after being battered by rough waves and were taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

However, the teenager who jumped in to save his friend could not be found.

Police, local fishermen, Sea Rescue, SES, CFS, National Parks and two PolAir helicopters launched a wide-scale search on Saturday, which was suspended at 7pm due to fading light.

The 16-year-old from Paralowie was on a school trip.

Many of the teenager’s family and friends, of Adelaide’s Syrian community, were at the scene yesterday when the search resumed at 8.30am.

The group were supporting a man, believed to be the teenager’s father.

The family did not want to make a public comment, but wanted to thank emergency services and local fishermen for their assistance.

Pinnacle College executive principal Deniz Yildirim said the school community mourned the loss of a “loved and valued student”.

Police talk to relatives at the scene of the drowning at Browns Beach, Yorke Peninsula. Picture: Mike Burton

Warning signs at the scene of the drowning at Browns Beach, Yorke Peninsula. Picture: Mike Burton

“He was a young person full of life, energy and potential,” Mr Yildirim said.

“His loss is an irreplaceable loss for his family, his friends, our college and the wider community. We thank all those who came to our aid and searched for him.

“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the family in particular as they grieve their sudden loss.

“We wish the family, friends and our entire school community utmost strength and patience in these difficult times.”

Counselling will be offered to all students.

In November, a man in his 30s slipped from the rocks at Browns Beach.

His body was found shortly afterwards.