Authorities have identified the missing 11-year-old girl from the River Thames named Kaliyah Coa
The Metropolitan Police have announced that a recovery mission is actively underway to find Kaliyah along the River Thames. This effort comes in response to a distressing incident that has deeply affected her family and the local community.
Emergency services were alerted at approximately 1:20 PM BST on Monday. Kaliyah, a young girl enjoying a school inset day, was reported to have entered the waters near Bargehouse Causeway. This location is situated close to London City Airport in East London. Witnesses indicated that Kaliyah had been playing near the water’s edge. She was with a young boy and a girl just prior to the incident.
Upon receiving the alert, emergency services immediately launched a comprehensive search operation. Chief Superintendent Dan Card of the Metropolitan Police addressed reporters. He stated, “Specialist officers are providing crucial support to Kaliyah’s family during this extremely difficult time.” Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event. We are unwavering in our commitment to locating Kaliyah. We are collaborating with our partners to conduct an extensive search over a wide area. Advanced drone technology and boats was utilized
In his statement, Superintendent Card also expressed gratitude to the local community. He noted, “I would like to thank the members of the public. I am also grateful to our dedicated first-response officers and our colleagues from other emergency services. Their rapid response enabled a large-scale search to be conducted under significant pressure in a very distressing situation.”
The police have issued an appeal for witnesses who may have further information about the incident. They urge anyone with relevant details to come forward. They have also conveyed that Kaliyah’s family has requested privacy while they navigate this emotional ordeal.
The search efforts on Monday involved a coordinated response from various organizations. These included boats and helicopters from HM Coastguard. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the London Fire Brigade (LFB) also participated.
Local residents shared that they heard urgent shouts and screams as other children playing nearby reported that a girl had gone missing in the water. One concerned woman found several belongings—shoes, a sock, a coat, and a phone—abandoned by the river. She bravely attempted to assist by bringing a life ring to the water’s edge, but despite her efforts, she could not see Kaliyah.
It is important to note that Bargehouse Causeway is a concrete slope that leads directly into the River Thames and is often used for transporting boats. Concerned residents have remarked that the surface appears to be covered in moss, which makes it particularly slippery and dangerous. This has raised significant awareness about the need for safety measures in the area to prevent similar incidents in the future.