August 17, 2022 3.35 pm This story is over 29 months old

Teen boy who died in Skegness sea named locally

A fundraiser has been set up in his memory

A family friend has launched a fundraiser to cover transport and funeral costs after a 13-year-old tragically died in the sea at Skegness.

Lincolnshire Police officers in Skegness received reports of 10 children missing within the space of just two hours last weekend. Sadly, among them was a 13-year-old boy from Hereford whose body was recovered at around 11.30pm on Saturday, August 13 after an extensive search operation by police and HM Coastguard Skegness, and the RNLI.

The boy has now been named locally as Kacper Biela. He had been enjoying a family holiday in the Lincolnshire seaside town.

Justyna Lebiest set up a PayPal fundraiser, which has so far raised over £3,000.

She said: “This completely broke all of their hearts. His family have decided to send him over to Poland, and allow him to peacefully rest there.

“Unfortunately, this involves a pretty high cost to cover transport and the funeral. Any donation will be directly sent to his mother, and will be greatly appreciated.”

Make a donation to the fundraiser here

In a public Facebook group called Hereford Pegasus Football Club, Kevin Bishop said: “The club has been informed of the devastating news that Kacper Biela died in a tragic swimming accident in Skegness at the weekend.

“Kacper was a member of the victorious u14 team who won the league and cup double last season. Despite playing up a year, he was an exceptional player for the team and had recently been selected for the Hereford Football Academy.

“Kacper joined the club at the tender age of five and quickly developed into an excellent player dominating games from midfield. Kacper was a lovely boy on and off the pitch, and a credit to his family and club.

“All at the club are devastated by the news and ask that the family, management and his team mates are given the time and space at this most difficult time.

“The club will be holding a minute’s silence and collection for Kacper at the FA Vase game on Saturday, August 27 where all are welcome.”

After the tragic incident, a spokesperson for HM Coastguard Skegness said: “Sometimes, despite all our best efforts, not everyone is rescued and it hurts our hearts. It’s why we do what we do day after day. It’s what drives us to keep on searching and to keep responding when things go wrong at the coast.

“We searched for hours with our fellow coastguards and our friends and colleagues from the RNLI and the police to find the teenager after he was reported missing.

“Although he was found, it was sadly a tragic outcome and we have no words other than to offer our heartfelt condolences to those who are grieving the loss of someone they loved so very much.”