Footballer who drowned in Quays ‘couldn’t swim’
FRIENDS and rescuers tried to save a popular footballer who ‘couldn’t swim’ after he got into difficulty when he jumped into Salford Quays, an inquest heard.
Ngapekare Marenga, 19, drowned on July 18 this year after jumping into the water, with several people frantically trying to rescue the talented striker.
A hearing at Bolton Coroners Court yesterday heard evidence from several friends who had been with Ngapekare, who lived in Ardwick, that day and the brave people who tried to rescue him.
Only one of them attended court, so assistant coroner Peter Sigee read the other statements out.
The court heard that Yahya Mazhur, who was present, Matheus Luna and Kingsley Nunes had all been with Namibia-born Ngapekare that day, playing a football match in the morning before heading to the Quays to enjoy the hot weather before a BBQ they were all going to later that day.
As the group gathered, there were a number of other people swimming in Salford Quays, despite signs warning people of the dangers and outlining a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in place that prohibited unattended swimming.
They were able to find a spot close to The Alchemist bar and, as several friends went into the water, Ngapekare stayed on the side as he was not able to swim.
After around an hour, the group were preparing to leave when Ngapekare decided he wanted to get into the water.
He jumped in alongside Matheus, but it very quickly became apparent that something was wrong, as Ngapekare disappeared under the water and didn’t resurface.
Kingsley’s statement, read by Mr Sigee, said: “Very quickly people were asking where Ngapekare was and trying to jump in to save him and it became very chaotic.”
Two strong swimmers, footballer Ella Thompson and bystander Matthew Josson, both enjoying the weather with different groups, joined the search, diving under the water to try to locate Ngapekare.
Detective Inspector Helen Bagnall was the officer in charge of the investigation into Ngapekare’s death. She told the court that he had no injuries that suggested he’d been assaulted or forced into the water and said his family had confirmed that the youngster was not able to swim.
Mr Sigee recorded a conclusion of misadventure.