Crew member dies after falling from a Woolwich Ferry into the River Thames

London Ambulance Service was called just after 6am to reports of a person in the water.

Police also attended as the 19-year-old man was taken to the shore by the coastguard.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man's family are currently at the scene but were too upset to comment.

He is believed to be Ben Woollacott from Swanley.

His friend Dominic Coughlin told News Shopper: “I have known the whole family for years.

“They are a lovely family. He’s a nice kid.

“I did my college course with him.”

“The whole thing is heartbreaking.”

The 21-year-old added: “We all work on the river. All the youngsters all know each other.”

Mr Coughlin said Ben worked for the Woolwich Ferry and with his dad on the Pride of London.

He said: “He was just a laugh, always having a giggle.

“He was happy go lucky. He had a nice girlfriend.

“It’s terrible.”

A postmortem examination is due to take place.

The Woolwich ferry has been suspended due to the accident.

Police officers from Greenwich will be liaising with the the Marine Accident Investigation Branch whilst inquiries continue into the circumstance of the incident.