An 11-year-old girl named Kaliyah Coa has gone missing in the River Thames in London after playing near Bargehouse Causeway, close to London City Airport. The Met Police have confirmed that the search for Kaliyah is now considered a recovery mission following the incident that occurred on Monday afternoon, March 31. The police were alerted around 1.20 pm on Monday after Kaliyah entered the water while playing with friends during an inset day.
Chief Superintendent Dan Card stated that specialist officers are assisting Kaliyah’s family during this distressing time. The search efforts involve utilising drone technology and boats over a wide area to find Kaliyah. The Met Police expressed gratitude towards the public, first-responding officers, and other emergency services for their rapid response and support during the search operation. The police are appealing for witnesses to come forward to aid in their investigation, while also respecting the family’s request for privacy.
Multiple agencies, including HM Coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and the London Fire Brigade, joined in the search operation using helicopters and boats. Local residents reported that Kaliyah was playing near the water with friends when she disappeared. A woman discovered Kaliyah’s belongings by the riverbank and attempted to use a life ring to locate her. Some residents highlighted the slippery and moss-covered nature of Bargehouse Causeway, the area where Kaliyah was last seen.
Residents near the scene mentioned hearing shouts and screams before realising that a girl had vanished in the water. The search efforts faced challenges due to the treacherous conditions of the causeway. Bargehouse Causeway is known for its concrete slope leading directly into the River Thames and is used for boat transportation. Some locals noted the hazardous conditions of the area, which may have contributed to the incident.
The community has come together to support the search for Kaliyah, with various agencies and volunteers assisting in the operation. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety, particularly in areas prone to accidents like Bargehouse Causeway. The search for Kaliyah continues as authorities remain dedicated to finding her and providing support to her family during this difficult time.
Considering the tragic circumstances, the authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in the investigation. The incident has deeply impacted the local community, highlighting the need for vigilance and safety measures around bodies of water. The recovery mission for Kaliyah Coa underscores the importance of raising awareness about water safety and ensuring that precautionary measures are in place to prevent such incidents from reoccurring.
The WalesOnline WhatsApp community has been providing updates on the ongoing search for Kaliyah Coa and is dedicated to keeping the public informed about the developments in the case. Authorities are working tirelessly to locate Kaliyah and provide closure to her family and loved ones. The incident serves as a solemn reminder of the risks associated with water-related activities and the importance of taking necessary precautions to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.