11-Year-Old Girl Falls Into River Thames: Police Begin Urgent Search

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

4.2

Share

An urgent search and rescue operation is underway in London after an 11-year-old girl fell into the River Thames. The incident has prompted a large-scale response from emergency services and a public appeal for information. This is a developing story, and we will update this article as more information becomes available. Keywords: River Thames, missing girl, police search, London, urgent search, child rescue, River Thames incident, 11-year-old, missing person, search and rescue

The Incident: Details Surrounding the Fall into the River Thames

The incident occurred at approximately 3:00 PM on Tuesday, October 24th, near the Millennium Bridge in central London. While the girl's identity has not yet been officially released by authorities to protect her family's privacy, we understand she is an 11-year-old local resident.

• Time of the incident: 3:00 PM, Tuesday, October 24th
• Exact location on the River Thames: Near the Millennium Bridge, central London.
• Any known details about how the fall occurred: Details surrounding the circumstances of the fall are still under investigation. Initial reports suggest the girl may have accidentally slipped, but this is yet to be confirmed.
• Initial response time of emergency services: Emergency services were alerted within minutes of the incident and arrived swiftly on the scene.
• Weather conditions at the time: The weather at the time of the incident was reported as overcast with moderate winds.

The Ongoing Search and Rescue Operation

The search and rescue operation is a multi-agency effort, involving the Metropolitan Police, the London Fire Brigade, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and specialist dive teams. Helicopters are being used to search the river from above, while boats equipped with sonar technology are scouring the water. Canine units trained in water rescue are also assisting.

• Specific units involved in the search: Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit, London Fire Brigade, RNLI, specialist dive teams, canine units.
• Types of equipment utilized in the search and rescue efforts: Boats, helicopters, sonar equipment, underwater cameras, divers, sniffer dogs.
• Geographical area covered by the search: The search is currently focused on the area of the River Thames surrounding the Millennium Bridge, extending both upstream and downstream.
• Challenges faced by rescue teams: Strong currents, tidal flows, and limited visibility underwater are posing significant challenges to the rescue teams.
• Estimated time frame for the search: The search is ongoing, and authorities have not yet provided an estimated timeframe for its conclusion.

Public Appeal and Community Involvement

The Metropolitan Police have issued a public appeal for information. They are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward and contact the authorities immediately. Road closures are in effect near the Millennium Bridge to facilitate the ongoing search and rescue operation.

• Details about the police appeal for information: Witnesses are asked to contact the police on [insert phone number or website].
• Any specific details they are looking for from the public: Any information regarding the incident, including descriptions of individuals in the vicinity at the time.
• How the public can share information: Contact the police directly via phone or online portal [insert details].
• Road closures or traffic disruptions in the vicinity: Motorists are advised to avoid the area around the Millennium Bridge due to road closures.

Safety Concerns and River Thames Precautions

This incident highlights the importance of water safety, especially for children. The River Thames, while a beautiful landmark, can be dangerous. It’s crucial to supervise children closely near any body of water. Never allow children to play near the riverbanks unattended.

• General water safety tips for children: Always supervise children near water, wear appropriate safety gear when participating in water activities, learn basic swimming and water rescue skills.
• Importance of adult supervision near water: Constant adult supervision is vital, especially with young children.
• Resources for water safety education: Visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) website for comprehensive water safety information. [Insert link to RoSPA or other relevant organization].
• Links to relevant safety organizations: [Insert links to relevant organizations, e.g., RNLI, local water safety groups].

Conclusion

An 11-year-old girl fell into the River Thames near the Millennium Bridge in London, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation. The Metropolitan Police and other emergency services are working tirelessly to locate her. The ongoing search highlights the ever-present dangers associated with waterways, reinforcing the crucial need for water safety awareness and vigilance.

Stay updated on this developing story by checking back for further updates on the ongoing search for the missing 11-year-old girl in the River Thames. If you have any information, please contact the authorities immediately. Share this article to raise awareness about water safety and the ongoing search efforts. #RiverThames #MissingGirl #SearchAndRescue