Police confirm the search for Kaliyah Coa, 11, is now a recovery mission after she fell into the Thames.

The search for 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa has taken a devastating turn, with police now treating it as a recovery mission after she vanished in the River Thames.

The tragedy unfolded on Monday afternoon when Kaliyah, who had been enjoying a school inset day, entered the water near Bargehouse Causeway, close to London City Airport. What began as a playful moment quickly turned into a nightmare as she was swept away, prompting frantic calls for help.

Emergency services arrived swiftly, launching an extensive operation involving helicopters, boats, and drones. Despite their best efforts, no trace of the young girl has been found. Chief Superintendent Dan Card of the Metropolitan Police confirmed that specialist officers are now supporting Kaliyah’s devastated family.

A Terrifying Scene

Local residents described harrowing scenes at the riverbank. Witnesses reported hearing terrified screams from children who had been playing nearby. One woman, who later discovered a coat, shoes, a sock, and a phone abandoned by the water’s edge, rushed to help. She grabbed a lifebuoy and ran to the river, but there was no sign of Kaliyah.

“She was just gone,” one bystander said. “The kids were screaming, but there was nothing we could do.”

Bargehouse Causeway, where Kaliyah disappeared, is a steep concrete slipway leading directly into the river. Some locals have warned that it is dangerously slippery due to moss covering the surface.

From Rescue to Recovery

For hours, emergency crews scoured the river, hoping to locate Kaliyah before it was too late. The search included specialist teams from the Metropolitan Police, the London Fire Brigade, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and HM Coastguard.

Despite their urgent efforts, the rescue mission has now shifted to a recovery operation, with authorities fearing the worst.

“We are doing everything we can to find Kaliyah,” Chief Supt Card stated. “We’re using drones, sonar equipment, and boats to cover as much of the Thames as possible.”

He praised the swift response of first responders and members of the public who tried to help. “This is an unimaginably distressing time for Kaliyah’s family, and we’re ensuring they have the support they need,” he added.

A Community in Mourning

The tragedy has shaken the local community, with many questioning whether enough safety measures are in place along the river. Parents have expressed concerns about the accessibility of hazardous areas like Bargehouse Causeway, where there are no barriers preventing children from entering the water.

The Met Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses who may have seen what happened in the moments leading up to Kaliyah’s disappearance. Anyone with information is urged to come forward.

As the search continues, Kaliyah’s family has requested privacy, struggling to come to terms with the unimaginable loss. The community holds its breath, hoping for answers—but fearing the worst.