Tributes to 'talented young footballer', 14, who drowned in River Thames amid heatwave

By MATT STRUDWICK, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 13:13, 5 August 2026 | Updated: 13:17, 5 August 2026 Tributes have been paid to a 'talented young footballer' who drowned in the Thames yesterday during the heatwave.  The body of 14-year-old Banta Sillah was recovered last night after the teenager entered the water at Millwall Outer Dock as temperatures soared to 30C. The youngster was captain of Frontline Community FC and was said to have been 'instrumental' in helping the team win the Tower Hamlets cup last week.  Lutfur Rahman, the mayor of Tower Hamlets, paid tribute on social media to Banta and said he was 'heartbroken' by his death.     'He had immense potential and was dearly loved by his peers,' he said.  'My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this devastating loss. The council is doing all it can to support Banta’s family in this difficult time. '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.' Frontline Community FC posted its own emotional tribute to the youngster this morning and said he had just taken his first steps into coaching. A bunch of flowers has been left at Millwall Outer Dock following the death of 14-year-old Banta Sillah The 'talented, young footballer' was captain of Frontline Community FC, who paid tribute to the teenager in an emotional Instagram post In a heartbreaking post on its Instagram page, the club described Banta as a 'true leader' and a 'role model'.     '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.  'More recently, Banta had begun taking his first steps into coaching, volunteering with our Under-12s during the Summer League. In such a short space of time, he built an incredible bond with the players and made a lasting impression through his bubbly character, enthusiasm and care. It was clear that he had the qualities to inspire the next generation. '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. 'We respectfully ask everyone to continue honouring the wishes of Banta’s family by respecting their privacy during this incredibly difficult time. 'We ask Allah (SWT) to forgive Banta, have mercy upon him, expand and illuminate his grave, admit him into Jannatul Firdaus without reckoning, and grant his family and loved ones strength during this unimaginable loss. 'Please keep Banta and his family in your du’as.' Signs in the area, near Canary Wharf in east London, had warned against 'unauthorised swimming' and 'deep water'. One local dogwalker claimed he saw some children 'pressuring' another child to go into the river. The dock has a deck jutting out into the water which is used as a diving and jumping platform, in spite of the warnings. Emergency services were called just before 7pm after reports that a boy had got into difficulty in the water. Despite an extensive search effort, Banta was retrieved from the dock at 10.30pm and pronounced dead. Signs in the area, near Canary Wharf in east London, had warned against 'unauthorised swimming' and 'deep water'  A crowd is seen gathered at the scene. Emergency services were called just before 7pm yesterday after reports that a boy had got into difficulty in the water Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter has urged the public to 'remember that open water can cause serious dangers as the warm weather continues'.  He said: 'Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of this young boy at this incredibly difficult time. 'Please only swim in designated areas and take the time to speak with children and young people about staying safe around water.' Banta's death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious with enquiries continuing in order to prepare a report for the coroner. The London Ambulance Service said: '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.' One resident, Maria Harris, 48, said she 'knew the worst had happened' when police cordoned off the area. She said the tragedy could have been prevented if security were present – but that wardens paid to patrol the area had been scrapped. Ms Harris told the Metro: 'There were police and all the emergency services on the scene. It's just heartbreaking.'