British teacher drowns after being swept out to sea in Bulgaria

A British teacher has drowned in Bulgaria after going swimming shortly after arriving in popular resort Sunny Beach with a group of friends.

Ethan McKen, 24, was swept away by a large wave while swimming with a friend.

His friend also got into difficulty but managed to return to shore and was recovering in a local medical centre.

A spokesman for Club 18-30, which is run by Thomas Cook and organised the holiday, told International Business Times: "We have today been advised that the FCO have confirmed the death of a British national in Bulgaria.

"Club 18-30 reps in resort are offering every support to the members of the party who travelled to Sunny Beach. Club 18-30's parent company, Thomas Cook, is also liaising directly with the family in the UK, and are arranging for relatives to travel to Bulgaria as soon as possible.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Ethan's aunt Kathleen Richardson said he was due to start a new job in September.

"It is just so sad, he had so many plans and he had got so much to look forward to," she said.

A statement from the Foreign office said: "Sadly we can confirm the death of a British national in Bulgaria. We are providing consular support to the family at this difficult time."

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