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A YOUNG music fan was swept out to sea and drowned when he went for a swim after a beach party.

The body of 19-year-old Alexander Fraser was recovered by police divers yesterday, 14 hours after pals raised the alarm when he was overcome by strong currents.

Alexander and his friends had spent Saturday night at the EDM-2014 dance music rave on Nairn Beach.

They were among 60 youngsters at the impromptu event, which was organised via social media. Yesterday, empty bottles of lager and cider still lay strewn across the beach.

The party ended early after torrential rain and Alexander – believed to be from the Inverness area – made for a popular swimming spot on the east side of the River Nairn, where a ladder goes into the water.

But he quickly got into difficulties, sparking panic among his mates.

One of them – believed to be his cousin – jumped in to try to save him, but was forced to admit defeat due to the swollen river and strong current.

The tragic teen’s body was found near the bottom of the ladder, just a few feet from where he plunged in.

One mum said the area had been a popular swimming spot with local youngsters for years – and most were well aware of the dangers.

She said: “I was a strong swimmer and used to swim there when I was younger but you could feel the current trying to pull you down.

“When the tide is going out, it is really dangerous. But youngsters have always swum there.

“They like jumping in off the harbour wall. It’s a tradition among the youngsters here but it’s a shame it has ended like this.”

Police had been called at 11pm on Saturday after it became obvious that Alexander was in trouble.

A force spokesman said: “Officers found two males in the water, one attempting to assist the other. One managed to get out of the water but the other was lost from sight.”

Divers recovered Alexander’s body from the harbour shortly after 1pm yesterday.