Mackenzie Swift, 11, Named as River Don Search Continues in South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire Police have named 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift, who went missing in the River Don near Mexborough on Saturday evening, as search operations continue.
Mackenzie was last seen entering the water off Ferry Boat Lane around 20:00 BST. Despite continuous efforts by an underwater team and Mountain Rescue volunteers, there has been no indication of his exit from the river.
A police spokesperson conveyed the heartbreaking message delivered to Mackenzie's family: “Our family liaison officers have sadly had the heartbreaking conversation with Mackenzie's family that if he had not exited the river on Saturday, he could not have survived in the water for this length of time.” The family are receiving support, and the public has been urged to avoid the search area for their own safety and to allow professional teams to operate unimpeded.
Chief Supt Pete Thorp emphasised, “I understand members of the public are desperate to help, but I must ask that you leave this work to the professional search teams. Please do not put yourselves or others in danger by searching in and around water.”
This incident follows a troubling period of water-related fatalities across the UK. At least 15 deaths have been recorded during the recent heatwave. Notably, a 13-year-old girl died on Sunday after being found in the River Wharfe in North Yorkshire, and a 15-year-old from Cheshire died after encountering difficulties in the sea off Merseyside.
