‘Talented footballer’, 14, who drowned after going into River Thames to ‘cool down’ is named

A 14-YEAR-OLD boy who drowned after vanishing in the River Thames has been named as a talented local footballer. The Mayor of Tower Hamlets – Lutfur Rahman – identified the teenager, who disappeared from Millwall outer dock, London, as Banta Sillah. Tragically, 14-year-old Banta was pronounced dead at the scene Credit: UKNIP Rescue boats from the London Fire Brigade were deployed to search for the boy Credit: UKNIP Banta, who sadly passed away on Monday was described 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.” Speaking to The Standard, the mayor added that young Banta “had immense potential and was dearly loved by his peers.” Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! He contniued: “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.” Emergency services were called to Ferry Road on Monday after receiving reports that a teenage boy had entered the water and vanished. A lengthy search operation followed, involving rescue boats, police, fire crews and paramedics. The frantic search operation was concluded when the 14-year-old was recovered from the water at around 10pm. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, despite the best efforts of paramedics. Most read in The Sun His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Cops said the boy’s death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious. Enquiries continue as the force prepares a report for the coroner. The Met Police is asking anyone with any information that may assist their investigation into the sad death to come forward. 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.” A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 6:52pm, 3 August, 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.”