Emergency services were called to a tragic incident in Dartford yesterday afternoon, 27 May 2026, following reports of a person in distress in the water.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service deployed two fire engines, a water safety unit, and a technical rescue unit to the scene near Galley Hill Road in Swanscombe shortly before 3:00 pm. Crews worked alongside Kent Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service, and the Hazardous Area Response Team, utilising specialist support vehicles including an unmanned aerial vehicle to assist in the search.
Tragically, emergency crews recovered the body of a teenage boy from the water. Officials confirmed the incident concluded later that evening, around 7:30 pm. Police are not treating the death as suspicious at this time, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
In light of the tragedy, emergency services have reminded the public that anyone who spots someone struggling in inland water in Kent or Medway should call 999 and ask immediately for the fire service. If a similar emergency occurs at sea or in a tidal area, the Coastguard should be requested instead.