Tragic Thames Death: Beloved 9-Year-Old ‘Bia’ Drowned in Gravesend
A heartbreaking tragedy has rocked Gravesend after a nine-year-old girl known locally as “Bia” was swept away in the River Thames near Royal Terrace Pier and later died. The young girl, believed to be of Romanian heritage, had her whole life ahead of her, say devastated family and friends who have poured out touching tributes describing her as a “beautiful angel.”
Massive Search Ends in Heartbreak
The chilling incident happened shortly before 2pm on Friday, 30 May, when Bia and a seven-year-old boy entered the water at Royal Pier Road. Emergency teams – including Kent Police, the RNLI, HM Coastguard, and paramedics – launched an urgent search.
- The boy was rescued alive and taken to hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
- Tragically, Bia’s body was recovered from the Thames at 11.40am the next day during ongoing search efforts.
- Her next of kin have formally identified her, and police say there’s no suspicious circumstances.
- A coroner’s report is underway.
Heartfelt Tributes Pour In
Mourning family members shared their grief openly. Mirela Turcanu posted on social media:
“Oh, she left us speechless. This little girl had her whole life ahead of her, but the life that was decided by God. Smooth road to heaven, my niece.”
Leon Alkapone, another relative, shared a photo tribute, calling Bia “my niece, my beautiful angel.”
Social media has flooded with condolences. One touching message read:
“Rest In Peace, Little Angel, Bia. May God comfort the grieving family.”
Heroic Rescue Attempt Amid Tragedy
Reports say Bia was playing near the water’s edge with her cousin when she slipped and was swept away by the current. According to Gravesend Rowing Club, a man bravely threw a life ring to save the boy but tragically lost sight of Bia before reaching her.
Police set up a cordon at Commercial Place, The Terrace, and Milton Place while boats and a helicopter scoured the river.
MP Calls for Respect for Grieving Community
Gravesham MP Dr Lauren Sullivan issued a heartfelt statement offering “deepest condolences” and thanking emergency responders for their tireless efforts.
“At the heart of this is a family and community in grief, which I hope everyone can respect,” she said. “This was a devastating tragedy, and our thoughts are with everyone affected.”
Community in Mourning and Calls for Water Safety
The loss of such a young life has left Gravesend in mourning. Locals have laid flowers near the river, while renewed calls for better water safety awareness echo through the community to prevent future tragedies.
