Passers-by looked on in 'disbelief' as a man swam in the dock where a 14-year-old boy drowned on Monday. The swimmer jumped over a railing and plunged into the Thames at Millwall Outer Dock in east London just two days after promising young footballer Banta Sillah died there.
He could be seen doing breaststroke from a jetty where floral tributes had been left for the boy.
Witnesses Express Shock
A dog walker who saw the man in the water told Metro: 'It's beyond belief. It's a no-swimming area and it's the scene of a drowning this week. It's idiocy.'
A canal boat owner living in the area added: 'We have reported people swimming here, but nothing is ever done. Today a man is in there; it's madness.'
Swimmer's Response
The swimmer told Metro he would not have gone in had he known about the death. He said: 'It's my first time swimming here; I didn't know about the death. I wouldn't have done it if I had known. It looks like a bit of a statement but it wasn't my intention.'
'The water is very deep, so I can imagine someone getting into trouble in that water.'
Dangerous Conditions
The dock has a deck jutting out into the water, which is used as an unofficial diving and jumping platform, despite signs in the area warning people not to swim. One reads: 'No unauthorised swimming', while another sign warns of 'deep water'.
But locals said Banta was one of a group who had been swimming in the area to cool off during London's most recent heatwave. They said that the area used to be patrolled by wardens paid for by Tower Hamlets Council, but that this had been scrapped.
The swimmer added that he believes the area should be patrolled by a lifeguard.
Tributes and Official Response
Tributes have poured in for Banta, described as a 'wonderful boy'. Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman said the boy's death had left him 'heartbroken'. He said in a Facebook post: 'Banta was a talented young footballer who played for Frontline Community FC and was instrumental in helping the team win the Tower Hamlets Cup last week. He had immense potential and was dearly loved by his peers.'
'My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this devastating loss. The council is doing all it can to support Banta's family in this difficult time.'
'As we mourn Banta, I urge families to speak with children and young people, we should all be aware of the dangers [of] swimming in open water. Swimming should only take place in officially designated areas with lifeguards present.'
Meanwhile, a close family friend previously told Metro: 'He was just a wonderful boy. He was a family-loving boy. His mother had a newborn. He already has brothers and sisters. The whole family is devastated.'
Police Investigation
A police statement said: 'Police were called at around 6.48pm on Monday, August 3 to reports that a 14-year-old boy had entered the Millwall Outer Dock near East Ferry Road, E14.'
'Officers worked with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade to carry out an extensive search in an effort to locate him.'
'Sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the boy was retrieved from the river at 10.30pm and pronounced dead.'
'His next-of-kin have been made aware and are being supported by officers.'
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.'
