An intense search operation unfolded in Gravesend on Friday after a young girl went missing in the River Thames. The incident occurred near Royal Pier Road, where the girl reportedly got into difficulty while in the water with a boy.
Major rescue operation launched after children enter the Thames
Emergency services rushed to the scene just before 2pm, following a distress call. While the boy was pulled from the river by responders and rushed to a nearby hospital, the girl remains missing in the River Thames.
According to Kent Police, the alarm was raised at 1:46pm by the Port of London Authority. A coordinated response followed, involving the HM Coastguard, RNLI, South East Coast Ambulance Service, Metropolitan Police marine units, and a police helicopter.
“The alarm was raised at about 1.35pm on 30 May. Metropolitan Police boats were attending as well as the RNLI lifeboat from Gravesend, Kent Police, and a police helicopter. East Coast Ambulance Service was sent.
One child has been recovered and the search for a second child has now been suspended,” a Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) spokesperson stated.
Despite relentless efforts, the search for the missing girl in the River Thames was suspended later that day. The decision was confirmed by the MCA.
“A search is underway for a girl who remains missing. The parents of the children have been informed,” a Kent Police spokesperson added.
Witnesses described a heavy emergency presence along the riverside, with rescue crews combing the water and the sky above. The girl missing in the River Thames quickly became the focus of the entire community.
This tragic incident has struck a chord across Kent, especially as summer brings more young people to riverside spots.
The boy, who was saved from the water, is being treated in the hospital. His condition has not yet been made public. Both families have been informed of the events.
The situation has led to renewed calls for vigilance around the river, particularly among young people.
As investigations continue and emergency services debrief, officials are reminding families of the dangers that lie beneath seemingly calm waters.
Key points:
- The incident occurred on 30 May near Royal Pier Road, Gravesend.
- Two children entered the water; one rescued, one missing.
- Search for the missing girl in the River Thames suspended.
- Large-scale response from police, coastguard, RNLI, and ambulance services.
This case is yet another sobering reminder of how quickly a fun afternoon can turn perilous. The girl missing in the River Thames remains unaccounted for, and hopes rest on the efforts already made by first responders. UK News Blog will continue to follow this story as updates become available.
