Boy, 17, dies after falling into river ‘from inflatable canoe’ with fire crews launching desperate rescue

A TEEN has tragically died after getting into difficulty in the water – after he was believed to have fallen from an inflatable canoe.

Emergency services raced to the River Coal, in Bolton around 8pm yesterday.

A 17-year-old was pulled from the river, but he could not be saved.

Manchester Evening News reported the youngster had been canoeing when tragedy struck.

Three other teens were “involved”, Greater Manchester Police said.

The boy’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

The force said: “Greater Manchester Police were called to Raikes Lane in Bolton at around 8pm last night (Tuesday 9 April 2024). This was a report of a person being in difficulty in the water.

“Attending along with colleagues from GMFRS, it was established four teenage boys were involved. Sadly, a 17-year-old passed away despite the best attempts of emergency services.

“Enquiries are ongoing but detectives from Bolton are confident there aren’t any suspicious circumstances.”

Detective Inspector Stuart Woodhead added: “This is an extremely upsetting and distressing incident for those involved due to the tragic circumstances and we are continuing to support their loved ones at this time.”

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said:“At around 8pm on Tuesday 9 April, fire crews were called to a reports of a person in the water near Raikes Lane in Bolton.

“Two fire engines from Bolton Central fire station, as well as the water incident unit from Heywood and the technical response unit from Leigh, quickly attended the scene.

“Firefighters recovered a 17-year-old male from the water but he sadly passed away at the scene. This was a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the young man’s family and friends.”

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