Search enters ninth day for missing girl who fell in River Thames
The desperate hunt for 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa has hit day nine, as police and rescue teams ramp up efforts to find the schoolgirl lost in the River Thames on March 31.
Last seen near Barge House Causeway
Kaliyah was spotted falling into the Thames near Barge House Causeway around 1:23pm on a school inset day. She had been playing with friends when tragedy struck. Since then, emergency services have thrown everything at the search, deploying drones, police boats and specialist teams across the river and surrounding areas.
But despite the massive effort, Kaliyah remains missing. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the investigation is ongoing as of April 8.
Chaotic and heartbreaking scenes
Local witness Shaleen Rajaendram, living close to the riverbank, recounted the panic that day. She heard children screaming for help before a man shouted from a balcony: “Wait there, the police is coming.”
“Then I saw suddenly two kids coming out to the top of the bridge… They said, ‘One of my friends was playing in the water… and she’s gone underneath and we can’t find her.’”
Ms Rajaendram raised the alarm and helped grab a life ring, but the river was swollen and swift. The moss-covered causeway made it treacherous to attempt a rescue.
Local outrage over safety failings
Residents have slammed the lack of safety measures along the river. Naomi Howard, a local parent, said there are no warning signs to alert children or parents of the dangers.
“I’m very upset. Even though it’s not my child, it could have been my child,” she said. “There’s no safety for the children. If they did want to come paddling down here, there’s no safety.”
The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for better riverside protection and clear signage in areas where kids play.
Police vow to keep searching
Chief Superintendent Dan Card, who heads north east London policing, expressed sympathy for Kaliyah’s family and praised emergency crews.
“Our specialist officers are supporting Kaliyah’s family through this deeply upsetting time and our thoughts go out to all those impacted,” he said.
He confirmed officers and rescue teams will remain at the scene and continue a “thorough search over a wide area.” Police urge locals with any info or footage to come forward.
How you can help
Witnesses or anyone with CCTV, mobile or dashcam footage from the Barge House Causeway area on March 31 are asked to contact the Met Police on 101, quoting the incident reference from that afternoon.
While the community clings to hope, floral tributes have appeared near the river with heartfelt messages for Kaliyah’s safe return or closure for her grieving family.
