Overview
- Police and emergency crews launched an extensive search after reports that a 14-year-old entered Millwall Outer Dock, with the boy’s body recovered and pronounced dead late on Monday.
- The Metropolitan Police said the death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious and that a file has been passed to the coroner while next of kin receive specialist support.
- Tower Hamlets mayor and neighbours have publicly named the teenager as Banta Sillah and paid tribute, describing him as a talented young footballer and urging respect for the family’s privacy.
- Residents say the dock is marked with ‘no unauthorised swimming’ signage and that local wardens once funded by the council were removed, prompting calls to reinstate patrols or place lifeguards at high‑risk sites.
- National safety bodies have warned about the risk of cold water shock and a recent rise in open‑water drownings during heatwaves, which experts say increases the need for clear prevention measures and public education.