Tasmania Police were called to Bells Parade, in Latrobe, just before 3pm. It is understood that the boy had gone to the river for an organised school trip and had been swimming.

"He had been in the area prior to a planned school organised activity that was scheduled for the afternoon," a police spokesman said.

"He was found to be missing during the afternoon. The boy’s body was located, and emergency services and Police search and rescue attended about 3pm."

The Examiner's Ben Wild reports that it was understood the boy's body was located by a person in a kayak.

Five police vehicles and two ambulances were at the scene and distressed family members arrived at the river about 4 pm.

The boy's family have been told of the tragedy but police have not released his name. They are not treating the death as suspicious.

Police ask anyone who saw teenagers in the Bells Parade area around lunchtime to contact Devonport Police on 6421 7501 or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

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