It’s the second water-related death in Greater Manchester in just 24 hours
23:13, 10 Jul 2026Updated 23:22, 10 Jul 2026
Dovestone reservoir (Image: Manchester Evening News)
A teenager had died after getting into difficulties at Dovestone reservoir tonight.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 7pm and an 18-year-old man was found unresponsive in the water.
Despite best efforts of medical professionals, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Greater Manchester Police said a cordon remains in place and enquiries are ongoing.
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Detective Inspector Steven Horton said: “We have tragically recovered the body of an 18-year-old man from the water and are conducting extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances.
“Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public of the dangers of open water. We strongly encourage people to stay safe and refrain from entering large bodies of water including reservoirs, rivers, canals, or ponds”
“Your safety is our priority. Please look after yourselves and enjoy the weather safely.”
Witnesses reported seeing a major emergency services presence at the Saddleworth beauty spot, with several police cars, fire engines, ambulances and an air ambulance called to the scene.
It’s the second tragedy in Greater Manchester in just 24 hours after a 49-year-old man sadly died after getting into difficulty at Sykes reservoir at Alexandra Park in the Edgeley area of Stockport on Thursday night.
Meanwhile there was also a major search operation at Chorlton Water Park tonight following reports that several people were ‘struggling’ in the water. Firefighters and two specialist water rescue units were called to the scene and carried out a ‘full sweep’ of the lake.
After a 40 minute search it emerged all the people had left the water before emergency services arrived.