Tragedy Strikes Near Chirk Castle
Ashamekh Bortata, a 17-year-old student from Libya, drowned after vanishing in a lake near the iconic Chirk Castle on the England-Wales border. He was visiting with a group of teens from Liverpool when the horrific accident occurred on one of the hottest days of the year.
Emergency Teams Launch Desperate Search
A friend raised the alarm, calling 999 immediately. North Wales Police and fire crews scrambled to the scene, launching an intensive search. Divers recovered Ashamekh’s body the next day. At an inquest in Ruthin, coroner John Gittins confirmed drowning as the provisional cause of death. Ashamekh had entered the water after the group made their way through nearby woodland.
“Clearly it’s a matter which must now proceed to a (full) inquest,” said Mr Gittins.
Heatwave Havoc: Record Temperatures Spark Dangerous Swim
The disaster happened amid a searing post-Easter heatwave that shattered British temperature records, including 24.8°C on Anglesey. Many sought relief by flocking to lakes and beaches – but on this sweltering day, Chirk Castle’s lake turned deadly.
Family Grieves as Community Bids Farewell
Ashamekh’s funeral took place at Liverpool’s Al-Rahma Mosque, followed by burial. Detective Chief Superintendent Sian Beck expressed heartfelt sympathy:
“My deepest thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones, who are being supported by specialist officers following this tragic incident.”
