Body Found in Thames After 11-Year-Old Kaliyah Coa Goes Missing
Tragic Discovery at Isle of Dogs
A body was pulled from the River Thames near Maritime Quay, Isle of Dogs, just after 9am on Sunday, April 13. The discovery comes two weeks after 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa vanished while playing near Barge House Causeway in North Woolwich on March 31.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the find but have yet to formally identify the body. Kaliyah’s family have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers.
Heartbreaking Disappearance
Kaliyah went missing during a school inset day after entering the water near Barge House Causeway. Friends raised the alarm when the youngster failed to resurface. An extensive search involving marine police units, search dogs, divers, and aerial support scoured the area but with no success – until Sunday’s grim discovery.
Eyewitness Describes Moments Before Tragedy
Local resident Shaleen Rajaendram, 59, recounted the chilling moments she was told about the incident. “I saw two kids coming out to the top of the bridge. They said, ‘One of our friends was playing in the water… she’s gone underneath, and we can’t find her,’” she said.
Shaleen added the causeway was “extremely slippery” and covered in moss, with the water level very high – making conditions dangerous.
Community in Shock and Mourning
The Thames tragedy has rocked the community. Locals left flowers and touching handwritten notes near the site, mourning the loss of a young life.
The Met urged the public to respect Kaliyah’s family’s privacy during this devastating time. They 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 follow once identification is complete.”
If you have been affected by this story and need support, contact Child Bereavement UK on 0800 02 888 40 or visit childbereavementuk.org.
