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A 14-year-old boy who died after entering the water at a “no swimming zone” on the River Thames during the heatwave has been named as a “talented young footballer”.
In a post on social media, Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman named the teenager as Banta Sillah. The Met Police has not confirmed the identity of the boy.
Mr Rahman described Banta as "a talented young footballer who played for Frontline Community FC and was instrumental in helping the team win the Tower Hamlets Cup last week".
The mayor said Banta "had immense potential and was dearly loved by his peers".
He added: "As we mourn Banta, I urge families to speak with children and young people, we should all be aware of the dangers swimming in open water.
"Swimming should only take place in officially designated areas with lifeguards present."
The boy’s club, that plays on Hackney Marshes, described him as “a true leader, our captain, a role model”.
The teenager entered Millwall Outer Dock near East Ferry Road in east London at around 6.50pm on Monday before getting into difficulty in the water.
A search and rescue boat was launched shortly after the alarm was raised, with helicopter police, fire and ambulance officers also dispatched at the scene.
Sadly, despite best efforts from emergency services, the boy was retrieved from the river more than three hours later at 10.30pm and pronounced dead at the scene.
The boy’s family are being supported by specialist officers.
A view of the River Thames at Millwall Outer Dock, east London, where a 14-year-old boy has died after entering the water. Picture date: Tuesday August 4, 2026.PADespite being a “no swimming zone”, with signs warning against swimming, the dock has a deck into the water, which is used as a platform for water sports.
There are designated areas near the dock on the Isle of Dogs for qualified swimmers.
The boy is understood to be one of a larger group who had been cooling off in the area amid London’s latest heatwave, the Metro has reported.
One local told the paper: “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.”
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Locals told the same publication that the area has previously been patrolled by wardens paid for by Tower Hamlets Council, but such measures have since been scrapped.
Video shared online showed emergency services at the scene.
The death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious and enquiries continue to prepare a report for the coroner.
Amid the heatwave conditions, London Fire Brigade has been urging Londoners to only swim in designated areas.
There have been more than 100 accidental drownings across the capital since 2020.
Most recently, a 13-year-old boy died after going into the water in London’s Royal Victoria Dock.
A local dogwalker Ivan Alexander, who was at the scene at the time, told the 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 behaviour is getting on our nerves, but this is a truly sad story for their family and friends.”
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.”
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.”
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 football club, Frontline Community FC, has shared a post on Instagram to pay tribute to him.
The post reads: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Banta Sillah.
“Banta was far more than just a Frontline player. He was a true leader, our captain, a role model and a much-loved member of the Frontline family and the wider community.”
The statement added: “His leadership was never something that had to be asked of him, it came naturally. His teammates looked up to him, leaned on him for encouragement, motivation and support. He had a positive outlook on life, a kind heart, and was always willing to help others.”
The club said that Banta had begun taking his first steps into coaching, volunteering with our Under-12s during the Summer League and building a bond with the players with his “bubbly character, enthusiasm and care.”
The post read: “Banta’s legacy will live on through every player he encouraged, every teammate he shared the pitch with and every young person whose life he touched.”
Teammates and friends have added comments to the post, to share their condolences and tributes to the boy.
One wrote: “I will miss our talks when travelling to and from our SFL matches. Training and matches won’t be the same without you brother!”
Another added: “I love you so much brother. Rest well young king, we all going to miss you dearly”.