Police have recovered a body from the River Thames amid the ongoing search for 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa, who went missing after entering the water near Barge House Causeway in North Woolwich on March 31.
According to BBC News, the Metropolitan Police were called to Maritime Quay in east London at around 9:03 AM on Sunday following the discovery. While formal identification has yet to be confirmed, Kaliyah’s family has been notified and is receiving support from specialist officers. They have asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Kaliyah had been playing with friends during a school inset day when she entered the river near a moss-covered concrete slope used for launching boats. Locals described the area as slippery, and witnesses recalled hearing shouts and screams before other children reported that a girl had gone into the water and could no longer be seen.
Emergency services—including the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, RNLI, and the coastguard—quickly launched a large-scale search operation. Despite their efforts, the search was later scaled back.
Chief Superintendent Dan Card said, “Our specialist officers are supporting Kaliyah’s family through this incredibly upsetting time, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected. We continue to work with partner agencies, using boats and drone technology, to ensure a thorough search.”
A relative previously told The Sun, “It was her birthday last week—she had just turned 11. She was a beautiful, bubbly, and happy girl.” A witness also shared that a young boy had attempted to rescue her, but the river’s current was too strong.
They said: “The only person with her was the young boy. I saw his hand reaching out, trying to pull her, but the current was just too strong. I’m absolutely heartbroken. I couldn’t sleep last night—I kept thinking about her parents.”
The tragic incident has sparked renewed concerns over safety measures along the riverbank, especially in areas where children often play. Local authorities and community leaders are now expected to reassess and strengthen safety protocols to help prevent similar accidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Meanwhile, the community remains in mourning, anxiously awaiting further updates.
