A dramatic search operation in Derby's River Derwent has tragically ended with the recovery of an 18-year-old man's body. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon when two teenagers were reported to have encountered difficulties while swimming near Darley Abbey Mills, close to a weir. Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving a call at approximately 12:46 BST, and officers confirmed that one teenager was successfully rescued from the water.
Derbyshire Police immediately launched a search operation involving specialist divers from the force's underwater team. The subsequent investigation revealed that the body of an 18-year-old man had been recovered from the river. As the police work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, they are providing support to his family at this devastating time.
The Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service were initially deployed to the scene before handing over the search operation to trained police divers. The force's efforts were bolstered by a significant response from local authorities, with Derby City Council expressing its profound sadness regarding the incident at Darley Abbey Mills.
In a statement, the council reiterated crucial safety advice to residents and highlighted that it has been working closely with emergency services to address concerns surrounding open water incidents in the area. The recent warm weather has led to increased reports of individuals entering the River Derwent around Darley Abbey Mills, prompting the council's warning: "Our absolute priority remains the safety of the public, and we will continue to work closely with our partners on this. Our message remains clear: do not enter any open water - it is extremely dangerous."