Boy, 14, dies in River Thames after jumping into ‘no swimming’ area during heatwave

A 14-year-old schoolboy has died after he jumped into the River Thames as temperatures soared above 30C. 

The boy entered the water at Millwall Outer Dock, east London, on Monday and got into difficulty in the water.

The dock has a deck jutting out into the water which is used as a diving and jumping platform, despite signs in the area warning people not to swim.

Locals said the boy was one of a group who had been using the area to cool off during the heatwave. 

They said that previously the area had been patrolled by wardens paid for by Tower Hamlets Council, but they had been scrapped. 

Maria Harris, 48, told Metro: ‘The police cordoned off the basin and we knew the worst had happened.

‘It’s so easy to get in the water, and young boys primarily jump and dive in. They want to cool off and you can understand it. It doesn’t look dangerous, but it can be. 

‘This is a tragedy that could have been prevented if there had been security there. 

‘Back in the day there would be a warden stopping the boy going in, but not now.

‘There were police and all the emergency services on the scene. It’s just heartbreaking.’

Signage in the area stresses that ‘no unauthorised swimming’ is permitted in the area, while another sign warns of ‘deep water’.

A helicopter was spotted at the scene where police, fire and ambulance officers were also dispatched. A search and rescue boat was launched by police after the alarm was raised at about 6.50pm. 

A witness said: ‘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.’

Dogwalker Ivan Alexander was also near the scene at the time.

He told Metro: ‘We were walking our dog and we saw some kids pressuring another kid to go in the water.

‘These kids are dangerous. For weeks, we have been menaced by them.
‘Their anti-social behavior is getting on our nerves, but this is a truly sad story for their family and friends.

‘We haven’t heard anything positive yet seems like they were looking for a body.’

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 efforts 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.’

A London Ambulance Service Spokesperson 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’. 

Assistant Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade Patrick Goulbourne 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.’

The fire brigade was called at 6.58pm. Four fire engines from Plaistow, Stratford and Dowgate fire stations, as well as two fire rescue units from Lewisham and Battersea fire stations, attended the scene.

Metro has contacted Tower Hamlets Council and the Canal & River Trust, which manages the waterway, for comment.