A Royal Marine recruit died during a training exercise on a beach, the Navy has confirmed.
The Marine went “gone under water” during the exercise on Tregantle beach, Cornwall, on the evening of January 21.
A Royal Navy spokeswoman said: “We can confirm the sad death of the Royal Marine who was injured in an incident earlier this week and we now ask for a period of grace for the family.
“The thoughts and sympathies of the Naval Service go out to the family and friends of the individual.
“The incident is still under investigation, therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
It is understood that the name of the recruit will not be released by the Ministry of Defence for at least 24 hours. Then it will only be made public with the permission of his family.
Speaking on Thursday, South Western Ambulance Service said it was called to an incident on Tregantle Beach at 10.01pm on January 21.
“The caller reported to us that a person had gone underwater. We sent land, air and other specialist paramedics to attend the incident,” a spokesman said.
“They treated a male patient at the scene and he was conveyed by air ambulance to Derriford Hospital for further care.”
