Teenager Dies After Jumping into Millwall Outer Dock
14-year-old boy recovered from 'no swimming' zone amidst heatwave, raising concerns over safety measures.
Sarah Connor
A 14-year-old boy died yesterday after jumping into the Millwall Outer Dock near East Ferry Road.
The London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police launched an immediate search operation, recovering the boy's body at approximately 10:30 PM and pronouncing him dead at the scene.
Authorities informed his next-of-kin. The death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious, with inquiries ongoing to prepare a report for the coroner.
The incident occurred in a designated 'no swimming' zone of the River Thames, where the boy was part of a group cooling off during the heatwave.
One local dogwalker claimed to have seen some children 'pressuring' another child to enter the river. Residents claim groups of youngsters had regularly gathered around the dock in recent weeks, seeking relief from London's temperatures, which soared above 30C.
A witness stated the boy was one of a group who had been hanging out by the river all summer. The dock features a deck extending into the water, a platform used for water sports.
Designated areas near the dock on the Isle of Dogs exist for qualified swimmers. Locals told Metro that wardens, once paid for by Tower Hamlets Council to patrol the area, have seen such measures scrapped.
Sadly, a teenager has drowned following an incident in Blackwall. Firefighters responded to reports of a teenager in the harbour and carried out a full search of the area.
Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne confirmed the tragedy: "Sadly, a teenager has drowned following an incident in Blackwall. Firefighters responded to reports of a teenager in the harbour and carried out a full search of the area."
Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne added, "Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency responders, the teenager was later found dead." Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter urged the public to exercise caution.
Richter stated, "As the warm weather continues, I would urge everyone to remember that open water can present serious dangers. Please only swim in designated areas and take the time to speak with children and young people about staying safe around water."
The London Ambulance Service confirmed their call at 6:52 PM yesterday to reports of a drowning incident. They dispatched ambulance crews, paramedics, and an incident response officer, assisting emergency services partners at the scene before being stood down.
More than 100 accidental drownings have been recorded in the capital since 2020. Other recent incidents include the death of five-year-old Letti Cole in Badsey, Worcestershire, last week.
Samiha Rahman, 15, and her seven-year-old cousin Musa Ahmed drowned at Mersea Island, Essex, on July 22. John Collins, 66, and his daughter Samantha Collins, 32, also drowned at Fistral Beach, Cornwall, on July 26.