Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Jonathan Adebanjo
Ref: 2019-0399
Date: 22 Nov 2019
Coroner: Edwin Buckett
Area: London Inner (North)
0 responses identified · 1 indexed addressee
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AI-generated concerns summaryThe coroner noted that signs prohibiting swimming at Shadwell Basin are too small and easily missed. The signs should be larger, more prominent, and clearly state the specific dangers of swimming, such as poor visibility, undercurrents, and submerged debris.
Date
22 Nov 2019
56-day deadline
22 Feb 2020 est.
estimated from the Judiciary.uk publication date
Responses identified
0 of 1
Coroner's concerns
The coroner noted that signs prohibiting swimming at Shadwell Basin are too small and easily missed. The signs should be larger, more prominent, and clearly state the specific dangers of swimming, such as poor visibility, undercurrents, and submerged debris.
View full coroner's concerns
Evidence was given by the police at the Inquest that:
1. The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is responsible for the area.
2. Although swimming is actually prohibited at the location, people do swim there in hot weather.
3. The water in Shadwell Basin is murky with poor visibility underwater with rubbish and discarded items below the surface.
4. There is an undercurrent at the Basin.
5. The area where the deceased was swimming was not covered by CCTV.
6. The fixed signs which indicate that swimming is prohibited are fairly small and can be missed if the area is busy.
I am concerned that:
(a) The signs indicating that swimming is prohibited at the location should be larger and more obvious;
(b) The content of the signs should indicate the reason why swimming is dangerous, namely the poor visibility, the presence of the undercurrent and the presence of rubbish and discarded items below the surface.
1. The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is responsible for the area.
2. Although swimming is actually prohibited at the location, people do swim there in hot weather.
3. The water in Shadwell Basin is murky with poor visibility underwater with rubbish and discarded items below the surface.
4. There is an undercurrent at the Basin.
5. The area where the deceased was swimming was not covered by CCTV.
6. The fixed signs which indicate that swimming is prohibited are fairly small and can be missed if the area is busy.
I am concerned that:
(a) The signs indicating that swimming is prohibited at the location should be larger and more obvious;
(b) The content of the signs should indicate the reason why swimming is dangerous, namely the poor visibility, the presence of the undercurrent and the presence of rubbish and discarded items below the surface.
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On the 30th July, 2019 an investigation was opened by Assistant Coroner Bourke into the death of Jonathan Jesutofumi Adebanjo who died aged 23, on the 24th July, 2019 at Shadwell Basin, London, E1.
The investigation progressed to an inquest which I conducted on the 20th November, 2019. I made a determination at the conclusion of the inquest that the deceased had drowned as a result of an accident whilst swimming in Shadwell Basin.
The investigation progressed to an inquest which I conducted on the 20th November, 2019. I made a determination at the conclusion of the inquest that the deceased had drowned as a result of an accident whilst swimming in Shadwell Basin.
Circumstances of the death
1. On the 23rd July, 2019 at about 5.45pm, the deceased used a ladder to descend into the water at Shadwell Basin in order to swim.
2. After a short while he sank below the water line and drowned.
3. His body was not found until the morning of the 24th July, 2019.
4. The deceased was not local to the area and the day he died was the first time he and his friends had visited the area.
2. After a short while he sank below the water line and drowned.
3. His body was not found until the morning of the 24th July, 2019.
4. The deceased was not local to the area and the day he died was the first time he and his friends had visited the area.
Copies sent to
[address withheld]
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Report details
- Reference
- 2019-0399
- Date of report
- 22 November 2019
- Coroner
- Edwin Buckett
- Coroner area
- London Inner (North)
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 1
1 response not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 22 Feb 2020 (estimated from the Judiciary.uk publication date).
Sent to
- London Borough of Tower Hamlets