A 14-year-old boy tragically passed away after entering a London dock and was described as a talented football player and well-loved individual.
The incident took place at Millwall Outer Dock on Monday evening, prompting emergency services to respond at 6:48 pm. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the boy was recovered from the water at 10:30 pm and unfortunately declared dead at the scene.
Heartbroken parents, accompanied by their young children, were visibly emotional as they left flowers at the site, joined by local residents paying their respects.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfar Rahman, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Banta Sillah, a 14-year-old member of the community known for his football skills with Frontline Community FC. Rahman highlighted Banta’s recent success in helping the team secure victory in the Tower Hamlets Cup, praising his potential and the affection he garnered from peers.
Rahman assured that the council was providing support to the boy’s family and extended heartfelt condolences to all affected by the tragic event. He emphasized the importance of discussing water safety with children in light of the unfortunate incident.
Jennine Paris, a staff member at Stebon Primary School where Banta was a student, fondly remembered him as a friendly and polite boy, calling for enhanced measures to safeguard children from water-related risks, advocating for free swimming opportunities for children under 16.
The Met Police confirmed that the case has been referred to the coroner and is not considered suspicious. Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter issued a cautionary message, reminding the public about the hazards of open water activities and advising swimming only in designated areas.
Since mid-May, a total of 43 individuals have lost their lives in open water incidents due to the warm weather. The Mirror initiated the Save Lives For Sam water safety campaign, aiming to address the drowning crisis in Britain, with prominent figures like Andy Burnham endorsing the cause.
Burnham praised The Mirror’s advocacy on water safety and stressed the importance of educating individuals, especially non-regular swimmers, on the risks associated with open water. He emphasized the need for comprehensive water safety measures and proper swimming education in school curriculums as crucial components of the campaign.