The search for missing 11-year-old schoolgirl Kaliyah Coa has come to a heartbreaking conclusion, as police confirmed on Sunday that a body was recovered in the River Thames near Maritime Quay, east London.
Although formal identification is yet to be completed, the family of Kaliyah have been informed of the development and are receiving support from specially trained officers.
Kaliyah was last seen on Monday, 31 March, playing with two friends near Barge House Causeway, a sloped concrete launch site close to London City Airport, when she tragically slipped into the river. Despite efforts from local residents and emergency services, she could not be reached in time.
Witnesses described how Kaliyah was paddling in the shallows before losing her footing. Resident Kerry Benadjaoud, 62, told reporters, “She must have slipped. A neighbour told me he saw her hands going under and called the police, but by the time I got there with the life ring, I couldn’t find her.”
Another local, Shaleen Rajaendram, 59, recounted hearing a man shouting, “Wait there, wait, the police is coming,” during the panic.
The incident sparked an extensive search operation involving the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, the RNLI, and the Coastguard. Authorities scoured the area for nearly two weeks until a body was discovered on the morning of Sunday, 13 April, in the river.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “The body is yet to be formally identified. However, the family of Kaliyah Coa have been informed of this development and are being supported by specialist officers. An update will be provided following formal identification. Kaliyah’s family ask that privacy is respected at this time.”
Barge House Causeway, where the tragedy unfolded, is often used for launching boats into the Thames. Residents have expressed concern over the area’s safety, noting it is often covered in moss and extremely slippery, particularly during the colder months.
The incident comes amid growing concern over public safety around London’s open water sites. Just days after Kaliyah’s disappearance, 15-year-old academy footballer Izaiah Smith lost his life in similar circumstances after getting into difficulty while swimming at Beckenham Place Park in Lewisham.
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The Met’s Marine Policing Unit has urged Londoners to exercise extreme caution around open water. Chief Inspector Rob Ranstead issued a stark warning: “I want to make a direct appeal to the public: please enjoy London’s waterways safely, but never underestimate the risks. Open water may appear calm and inviting, but it can be dangerously deceptive. Strong currents, sudden drops, hidden hazards and cold water shock can affect even the strongest swimmers.”
He added: “Once a person is in the Thames, for example, they will almost definitely struggle to keep afloat or in control. The river holds currents stronger than any person and moves at extreme speeds.”
As London begins to see warmer temperatures heading into spring, authorities are reminding the public, especially young people, to remain vigilant and avoid entering the water unsupervised.
Kaliyah’s tragic death is a devastating blow to the local community, and tributes have begun pouring in from residents and schoolmates alike.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” one neighbour said. “She was just a child enjoying the day with her friends. It’s truly heartbreaking.”
Formal identification of the body is expected in the coming days. Until then, Kaliyah’s loved ones have asked for peace and privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
