The family of Kaliyah Coa, an 11-year-old girl who went missing in the Thames River last month, has been informed that a body was found in the river. Kaliyah was playing with two other children during a school inset day on March 31, when she tragically slipped into the water.
Despite a massive search effort by emergency services, Kaliyah was not found at that time. Now, the Metropolitan Police have informed her family of the discovery.
Kaliyah Coa’s Disappearance and Search Efforts
On March 31, Kaliyah was playing near the River Thames with another girl and a boy when she fell into the water. Nearby residents reported that no life ring could be thrown in time to save her. She slipped into the river near Barge House Causeway, close to London City Airport in East London.
Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, and the RNLI, launched a large-scale search for Kaliyah. Despite the efforts, the search was later scaled down after no signs of Kaliyah were found.
Kerry Benadjaoud, a local resident, said she found shoes, a sock, a coat, and a phone near the river. She handed these items over to the police, and it was reported that Kaliyah had been paddling before she slipped into the water.
Body Found in River Thames on Sunday Morning
The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Sunday that a body was found in the River Thames in Maritime Quay, East London at 9:03 a.m.. The body has not yet been formally identified, but the police spokesperson confirmed that Kaliyah’s family has been informed about the discovery.
The police also said that specialist officers are supporting Kaliyah’s family during this difficult time. Kaliyah’s family has asked for privacy as they process this news.