London Mission in contact with families of the dead

Sri Lanka's High Commission (SLHC) has been in contact with the families of the five youth of Sri Lankan origin, who drowned in Camber Sands last Wednesday, when three of them tried to save the other two who were sucked into the quick flowing water of a rip tide.

It has now been established that four of the victims were of Sri Lankan origin and permanent residents in the UK. They had applied for British citizenship and awaiting response to their applications.

The fifth, 22-year old Nitharsan Ravi was born in Greenwich and hence, a British citizen.

SLHC officials have been in touch with the next-of-kin and have offered whatever help possible. One family had said the grandparents of one of the victims, in Sri Lanka, wished to be present in the UK to participate in the last rites performed at the funeral.

They had requested assistance to obtain visas for the grandparents to travel to the UK. The SLHC is reported to have pointed out that granting visas is entirely a matter for the British authorities, but would try to assist once visa applications are submitted.

Shortly after the news broke, SLHC officials had visited Camber Sands where similar accidents have happened before, the most recent being the drowning of 19-year-old Brazilian Gustav Silva Da Cruz last month.

Many blame the absence of lifeguards at this popular seven-mile long beach for the continuing accidents.

SLHC officials have also spoken to the East Sussex Police about this unprecedented accident in which five persons, all close friends from London died of drowning, following a day-trip to the coast.

As the British authorities have to go through routine procedures, it is not certain yet, how long it will be before the bodies are released to the next- of-kin.