A 14-year-old boy has tragically died after entering the River Thames in London. The boy entered the water at Millwall Outer Dock near East Ferry Road at around 6.48pm on Monday.
Emergency response and recovery
Police, firefighters, and paramedics launched a major search, with a helicopter circling overhead as emergency crews searched the dock for almost four hours. He was later recovered from the water at around 10.30pm. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. Residents said groups of youngsters had regularly been gathering around the dock in recent weeks to cool off as temperatures in London soared above 30C.
Witness account and official statements
One witness told Metro: "There was a helicopter above and police in the river. We knew immediately what had happened. The boy was one of a group who have been hanging out by the river all summer."
Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of this young boy at this incredibly difficult time. 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 boy's death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious, and enquiries continue to prepare a report for the coroner.
Fire brigade and ambulance service responses
Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne, of the London Fire Brigade, said: "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. Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency responders, the teenager was later found dead. This is an incredibly sad incident, and the thoughts of everyone at London Fire Brigade are with the family and loved ones at this difficult time."
A spokesperson for London Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 6.52pm yesterday (August 3) to reports of a drowning incident by East Ferry Road, E14. We sent ambulance crews, paramedics in fast response cars, an incident response officer and an advanced paramedic. Our crews assisted our emergency services partners at the scene but were later stood down."
