The family of a 30-year-old man who drowned in the River Thames spoke of her grief.

Umer Anjum died despite a massive search operation—while his friend Linda who lived in the same building in Forest Gate, was rescued.

Umer, a non-swimmer, fell from Canary Wharf pier on June 29 and Linda jumped in the water in a vain attempt to save him. Police, coastguards, fire brigade, lifeboat and Port of London Authority failed to locate Umer, whose body was recovered at low tide 18 hours later.

His body was flown back to his Pakistan home for burial. His aunt from Stratford said: “His parents, two sisters and other immediate family had an agonising wait of 11 days. He was our sunshine boy.”

Umer completed a university business management course. He got a job last year as manager of Firawani mini-market at Forest Gate.