A young man tragically lost his life in a river after calling for help for 20 minutes without timely assistance, as revealed in an inquest.

Evan Geoffrey d’Andilly, a 19-year-old student, went into the River Ouse from Ouse Bridge in York after a night out with friends on March 5 last year. CCTV footage presented at North Yorkshire Coroner’s Court captured Evan, hailing from Scunthorpe, shouting for help in the cold water while police officers on the bank tried to reassure him that help was en route. Despite his efforts to stay afloat and the attempts by authorities to reach him with a life ring, Evan submerged before a rescue boat arrived, just four days short of his 20th birthday.

According to the inquest, Evan entered the river around 3:03 am, and police responded within a few minutes. Despite their quick arrival, the available rescue equipment, including reach poles and throw lines, proved inadequate to reach Evan in the middle of the wide river.

Evan’s mother, Lorraine d’Andilly, criticized the rescue equipment’s limitations, stating that they were insufficient for reaching her son, resulting in a missed opportunity for his survival. The fire service was notified shortly after the incident, but the rescue boat from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service stationed in Selby did not arrive until 3:37 am, well after Evan’s disappearance.

Witnesses recounted the sudden turn of events, with a friend mentioning that Evan unexpectedly fell into the water from the bridge without warning. The York Rescue Boat, situated near the incident location, could have potentially aided in the rescue, but its deployment was delayed.

Bodycam footage from the police revealed frustration over the delayed arrival of the rescue boat, prompting questions about the effectiveness of the rescue procedures. The inquest further highlighted the logistical challenges, with the nearest rescue boats based in Selby and Malton, underscoring the need for improved coordination and response protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Evan’s family described him as a kind and vibrant individual, deeply mourned his loss, and expressed concerns over the flawed safety procedures that contributed to the heartbreaking outcome. Calls for enhanced water safety measures, including mandatory lessons in schools, a public awareness campaign, and improved lifesaving equipment, have been advocated to prevent similar incidents and save lives.