Heatwave death toll hits 12: Man in his 70s drowns and boy, 14, is missing in River Thames as teenage swimmers, 16 and 13, die while trying to cool down
- Crews battled to save man on Isle of Wight but he was declared dead at scene
- Robert Hattersley, 13, died following an incident in the River Tyne on Sunday
- At least 12 people have died in open water incidents since hot weather began
- Boy, 14, feared dead, police said, as they called off search in Thames last night
- Police have warned of the dangers of going into the water to cool off in the heat
A man in his 70s has become the latest to drown after attempting to cool off from the scorching temperatures by going for a swim.
At least 12 people have died in heatwave-related incidents this month since the heatwave began on July 9 bringing with it record-breaking temperatures.
The 70-year-old man was pulled unconscious from the water in Sandown on the Isle of Wight.
Emergency service crew members battled for 40 minutes to save his life but tragically he was declared dead at the scene.
It comes after a 14-year-old boy was declared missing yesterday after getting into difficulty in the Thames and is believed to have drowned, according to Richmond Police.
Emergency services were called at 5pm to a child seen in the water at Tagg’s Island in Hampton and searched the area for the boy but were unsuccessful.
The rescue operation was brought to an end at 6.40pm while efforts to recover his body will continue into the evening. His next of kin have been informed, Met Police said.
Emergency services and the Government have reiterated urgent warnings about the dangers of trying to keep cool after several tragedies in waterways and reservoirs during the heatwave.
Met Police Superintendent Richard Smith, from the South West Command Unit, said: ‘Despite the very best efforts of all involved, we must now sadly conclude that this young boy has died.
‘His death is a tragedy and I cannot begin to imagine what his family will be going through. All our thoughts are with them.
‘I know that on days like today when temperatures are at a record high, it might look appealing to jump in and cool off in rivers, reservoirs, lakes or other open water.
Robert Hattersley, 13, from Crawcrook, who died following an incident in the river near Ovingham in Northumberland on Sunday.
A 16-year-old boy died after getting into difficulty in Bray Lake (pictured), near Maidenhead
Jamie Lewin, 16, died in a quarry at Dawber Delph, Appley Bridge, near Wigan on Saturday
A 16-year-old boy died after being seen struggling while swimming with friends in Salford Quays on Saturday
‘Please don’t. The dangers are real and this evening in Richmond we have seen the terrible consequences of what happens when it goes wrong.’
Meanwhile Robert Hattersley, 13, from Crawcrook, tragically died following an incident in the River Tyne on Sunday as his family said they were ‘absolutely devastated by what has happened’.
The ‘kind and loving’ teenager died after getting into difficulty in a river near Ovingham, Northumberland, over the weekend.
In a statement released through the police, Robert’s family said: ‘It is impossible to put into words the heartbreak we are feeling – Robert was so kind and loving. We are absolutely devastated by what has happened.
‘He brought a smile to so many people’s faces and he will be missed by absolutely everyone who knew and loved him.’
Detective chief inspector Martin Brooks, of Northumbria Police, said: ‘This is an absolutely tragic update that we sincerely hoped we would never have to give.’
Alfie McCraw, 16, from Wakefield died after jumping into a West Yorkshire canal with friends
Kalen Waugh, 16, has been identified locally as the boy who died after getting into difficulty in the water on Saturday
Emma Louise Powell, 24, died while paddleboarding in North Wales on Thursday
There have now been at least ten water-related deaths since the heatwave began, as Brits try to cool off in the sweltering temperatures. ( PIctured: Emergency workers search the River Tyne on Sunday)
Tributes left for Kalen Waugh who died while swimming in Salford Quays
Monday: Police were also seen near the River Irwell in Bury where a body was found
A large-scale search took place in the River Tyne near Ovingham, Northumberland, yesterday
Following the death yesterday in Bray Lake, Superintendent Michael Greenwood, the LPA Commander for Windsor and Maidenhead, said: ‘This is an absolute tragedy in which a young boy has died after getting into difficulty in the water of Bray Lake.
‘The boy’s next of kin have been notified and are being offered support at this extremely difficult and traumatic time.
‘My thoughts, and the thoughts of all of us at Thames Valley Police are with the boy’s family and his friends, and we would ask that their privacy is respected.’
Thames Valley Police said officers were called at 11.45am on Monday and a body was located at just after 1.30pm, when he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Heatwave deaths: ELEVEN people have lost their lives this month as Britain swelters in scorching temperatures
Sadly at least ten people have now died in the UK in water-related incidents since the heatwave began.
July 18
Bray Lake in Maidenhead – A 16-year-old boy died on Monday at Bray Lake, near Maidenhead in Berkshire.
River Thames in Hampton – A 14-year-old boy is missing after getting into difficulty in the Thames in Richmond and has drowned, Richmond Police said on Twitter.
July 17
River Spey in Moray, Scotland – A 51-year-old man was recovered from the River Spey by emergency services but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
River Tyne in Ovingham – Emergency services were called after a 13-year-old boy began to struggle after getting into difficulties in the River Tyne near Ovingham, Northumberland. Police said the body of Robert Hattersley was found in the water and his family have been informed.
Cromane Bay in Kilorglin, Northern Ireland – A man in his 50s died after getting into difficulty in the water in County Kerry on Sunday.
July 16
Brighton Beach – A 37-year-old man was rushed to hospital after being pulled from the water near Brighton Pier on Saturday evening but he sadly died.
Ardsley Reservoir, West Yorkshire – A 50-year-old man died after getting into difficulty while swimming in Ardsley Reservoir.
Salford Quays, Greater Manchester – Kalen Waugh, 16, died in Salford Quays on Saturday. Passers-by called emergency services after spotting a struggling swimmer
July 14
Conwy Morfa beach, north Wales – Emma Louise Powell, 24, and her two friends were all recovered from the water after getting into trouble while paddleboarding on Thursday evening, but sadly she could not be saved.
July 11
Aire and Calder Navigation, West Yorkshire – Alfie McCraw, 16, sadly passed away after getting into difficulty while swimming in a canal in Wakefield.
July 9
Appley Bridge, Lancashire – Jamie Lewin, 16, died after getting into difficulties while swimming in a disused quarry at Appley Bridge.
Yesterday, police were also seen near the River Irwell in Bury at around 4pm as police parked in Jubilee Way.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told Manchester Evening News: ‘Officers were called by colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service just after 4pm to a report of a body in water. Emergency services are in attendance and enquiries are on-going.’
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Just before 4pm, two fire engines from Bury central and Ramsbottom fire station were called to reports of a person in the water on Jubilee Way, Bury. The crews arrived quickly at scene.
‘Firefighters wearing full water kit rescued one person from the water. Firefighters have been in attendance for around an hour and are still at the scene.’
A man was also rescued yesterday by fire, police and ambulance services yesterday after he was seen in Erewash canal near Sandiacre, Derbyshire.
A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service told Notts Live: ‘One person was in the water and luckily that person has been rescued from the water. All fire crews are now out of the water and the person is now with EMAS.’
With temperatures set to possibly hit above 40C today, plenty of people have been taking dips in open water.
However police have issued warnings to the public, urging caution and asking people to stay out of the water despite the heat.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay also warned of ‘significant dangers’ for people tempted to swim in a river to cool off.
Asked whether people should be going outside and visiting beaches, Mr Barclay told reporters people should use ‘common sense’ and follow the advice of public health experts.
That meant ‘hydration, covering up, being in the shade, avoiding the times of the day when heat is at its peak’.
He added: ‘There is a particular message, particularly for teenagers, children, some of those who may be tempted to go for a swim – there’s significant dangers of that, quite often when people go swimming in rivers when we have very hot weather.
‘So it’s following common sense steps and keeping an eye on neighbours and those who are vulnerable. And following the guidance that’s been put out by the relevant bodies.’
Mr Barclay said the ‘well established contingency plans’ put in place in response to the high temperatures drew on the experiences of the 2003 heatwave in France, which saw around 15,000 heat-related deaths in the country.
The NHS has ‘extreme heat plans’ published in May and local trusts ‘manage the pressures themselves’.
The Government was coordinating the response and ‘closely monitoring the situation’, he added.
A 37-year-old man died after being pulled out of the sea at Brighton beach on Saturday evening.
Emergency services rushed to the medical incident on Brighton beach, near Grand Junction Road, at about 7.10pm on July 16.
Police confirmed that the man was taken to hospital but later sadly died. His next of kin have been informed.
‘There are no suspicious circumstances, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner,’ a police spokesman said.
Speaking to The Argus, a witness at the scene said a man was pulled from the water before that area of the beach was cleared.
‘I have small children so didn’t really get close, but the police came and cleared the beach,’ she said,
‘We saw him being dragged out of the water and CPR being administered. The ambulance staff and police were there within two or three minutes.’
In Scotland a man died after his kayak capsized on the River Spey, Moray, on Sunday afternoon.
A 37-year-old man also died after getting into difficulties while swimming in the sea at Brighton. Since the heatwave began, at least ten people have sadly drowned
Emergency services were called to the scene near Fochabers, at about 16:45 on July 17.
A 51-year-old man was recovered from the water by emergency services but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The same night, a man in his 50s died after falling from a boat and getting into difficulty in the water in Northern Ireland.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at Cromane Bay, Kilorglin, at around 10pm.
He was recovered from the water but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
Also on Sunday, a 50-year-old man died at Ardsley Reservoir, West Yorkshire, it was reported, after he got into difficulty while swimming.
Det Insp Phil Hughes of Leeds CID said: ‘This incident serves as a timely reminder about the dangers of swimming in open water.
‘The weather is due to get hotter this week, I would urge people to not enter or swim in reservoirs or open waters.’
On Saturday a 16-year-old Kalen Waugh drowned in Salford Quays on Saturday, causing Greater Manchester Police to issue a fresh warning.
Det Insp Joanne Johnston, said: ‘We remind the public to avoid being tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds.
‘We all want to enjoy the warm weather; please make sure you do so in a safe way. Think of your family – look out for your friends.’
Two other schoolboys drowned in separate swimming accidents last week.
After getting into difficulties while swimming in a quarry at Appley Bridge, Lancashire, on July 9, Jamie Lewin, 16, died.
The promising boxer who ‘loved life’ and was ‘was one in a million’ was the third teenager in just seven years to lose his life at the quarry.
The owners of a quarry have pleaded with the public to stay away, while revealing plans to reduce the depth of the water.
Just two days later Alfie McCraw, also 16, from Wakefield, who had only recently finished his GCSEs, died after swimming in a West Yorkshire canal.
‘He was just 16 years old and had his whole life ahead of him which was cut short due to a tragic accident,’ said cousin Zoe.
In North Wales, Emma Louise Powell, 24, drowned while paddleboarding with two pals on Thursday evening.
The ‘beautiful and happy go lucky’ woman got into difficulties at the beauty spot at Conwy Morfa with her two friends.
All three were rescued from the water following a major rescue operation, but tragically Emma, from Llandudno, could not be saved.
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