Police boat approaching a pier.
Share this @internewscast.com

THE heartbroken family of a nine-year-old girl who died after entering the River Thames have paid tribute to their “beautiful angel”.

Emergency crews conducted an urgent search for the young child who vanished beneath the waters near Royal Terrace Pier, located in Gravesend, Kent, on May 30.

Police boat approaching a pier.
Officers found a body after a frantic searchCredit: SWNS
RNLI lifeboat with crew on river.
The RNLI launched an urgent rescue operationCredit: George Cracknell Wright
Photo of Bia, a nine-year-old girl who died after entering the River Thames.
A nine-year-old girl has been named on social media as ‘Bia’Credit: reki.niccxon.yeri/TikTok

She has now been named on social media as “Bia” and is understood to have been just nine years old.

The alarm was raised at about 1:45pm yesterday after two children got into difficulty in the river.

It is understood Bia was playing with her cousin near the water when she slipped and the current pulled her in.

A young boy was quickly recovered whilst an urgent rescue operation was carried out for Bia.

The child’s heartbroken family, believed to be from Romania, expressed that she “had her whole life ahead of her” but acknowledged that “her life was determined by God.”

Last night, family member Mirela Turcanu shared on social media: “Oh, she left us speechless. This little girl had her entire future before her, but her life was as God intended.”

“Smooth road to heaven, my niece.”

Leon Alkapone described her as “my niece, my beautiful angel”.

Another post said: “Rest In Peace, Little Angel, Bia. May God comfort the grieving family.”

At 11.40am on Saturday, a body was recovered from the river, near Gravesend and formal identification by the girl’s next of kin took place.

Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

It is understood Bia was playing with her cousin near the water when she slipped and the current pulled her in.

The boy saved from the water during the initial search remains at a local hospital in a stable condition.

Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Metropolitan Police boats and the RNLI were called to assist with the search.

A police helicopter and South East Coast Ambulance Service were also sent to the scene.

Kent Police was called by the Port of London Authority.

Police cars at the scene of a recovery operation.
Several emergency services vehicles were spotted by the Royal Pier Terrace and the Port of London authority’s (PLA) officeCredit: UKNIP
Police officers at the scene of a body recovery.
The search for the girl, understood to be aged nine, ended in tragedy on Saturday as a body was foundCredit: UKNIP
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Federal funding cuts coming to Community Assistance Program, or CAPS, which helps keep seniors employed

Federal Funding Reductions Set to Impact CAPS, the Community Assistance Program Supporting Senior Employment

CHICAGO (WLS) — Federal funding cuts are coming to programs that help…
Mugshots of Jon and Carie Hallford.

Funeral Home Owner Sentenced for Storing 190 Decomposing Bodies and Giving Families Fake Ashes

A funeral home owner, who engaged in the distressing act of hiding…
Congo and Rwanda sign US-backed peace deal to end bloody conflict

Congo and Rwanda Ink US-Supported Peace Agreement to Halt Violent Conflict

The Congo has been engulfed in conflict involving over 100 armed groups…
Chicago protesters oppose ICE, Alejandro Orellana charges; Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi introduces bill to limit military deployments

Chicago Demonstrators Rally Against ICE; Alejandro Orellana Faces Charges; Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Proposes Legislation to Restrict Military Deployments

CHICAGO (WLS) — Another protest against ICE got underway in downtown Chicago…
Head east to Croatia and Istria

Explore Eastern Adventures: Discover Croatia and Istria

Italians are genuinely fed up with tourists. They have grown weary of…
Photo of a bride and groom on their wedding day.

Terrifying incident: YouTuber follows wife to safety spot before fatally stabbing her while she pushes baby in stroller

THIS is the chilling moment a YouTuber stalked his wife to a…
Authorities arrest fugitive Antoine Massey who police say posted on social media following New Orleans jailbreak

Authorities Capture Escaped Fugitive Antoine Massey After Social Media Post Ties Him to New Orleans Jailbreak

Authorities in Louisiana apprehended one of the 10 men who fled a…
CPS budget: Outgoing Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez outlines 2026 budget plan

Chicago Public Schools Announce Layoffs Impacting Central Office, Network Office, CTU, and SEIU Staff

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Public Schools revealed on Friday the layoffs affecting…
Senate votes down resolution to block Trump's ability to use more military force against Iran without authorization from Congress

Senate Rejects Proposal to Restrict Trump’s Authority to Deploy Military Force Against Iran Without Congressional Approval

Attempts by Senate Democrats to curtail President Donald Trump’s actions regarding Iran…
Democrats' Senate Measure to Limit President Trump's Power to Wage War Fails

Senate Democrats’ Attempt to Restrict Trump’s War Powers Falls Short

An effort by Senate Democrats to restrict President Trump’s executive powers through…
3 Brooks Middle School employees fired over alleged misconduct, Valley View Community Unit School District 365-U says

Bolingbrook Police Report Catalytic Converters Stolen from Trucks at 4 KIDS Sake Food Pantry and Enrichment Center on Remington Boulevard

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. (WLS) — The catalytic converters were stolen off a south…
Harvard, University of Toronto make contingency plan to allow foreign students to study if barred from US

Harvard and University of Toronto Develop Backup Plans for International Students in Case of US Entry Restrictions

Harvard University, in collaboration with the University of Toronto, has developed a…