A young girl who died after being swept into the River Thames near Royal Terrace Pier in Gravesend has been named locally as “Bia”, with heartbreaking tributes pouring in from family and friends describing her as a “beautiful angel” who had her whole life ahead of her.

The nine-year-old girl, believed to be of Romanian heritage, was reported missing after she and a boy, aged around seven, entered the water at Royal Pier Road shortly before 2pm on Friday, 30 May.

Massive Search Ends in Tragedy

Emergency services, including Kent Police, the RNLI, HM Coastguard, and ambulance crews, launched an urgent search operation. The boy was pulled from the water alive and remains in stable condition in hospital.

The girl’s body was recovered from the Thames at 11.40am on Saturday during continued search efforts. Her next of kin have formally identified her, and the death is not being treated as suspicious, police confirmed. A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Tributes from a Grieving Family and Community

Mirela Turcanu, posting on social media, wrote:

“Oh, she left us speechless. This little girl had her whole life ahead of her, but she had the life that was decided by God. Smooth road to heaven, my niece.”

Another relative, Leon Alkapone, shared a photo tribute, calling her “my niece, my beautiful angel.”

Social media has since been flooded with messages of condolence and sorrow. One tribute read:

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

Heroic Rescue Efforts Described

It’s understood Bia was playing with her cousin near the water’s edge when she slipped and was swept away by the current. According to Gravesend Rowing Club, one man used a life ring to swim out and rescue the boy but tragically lost sight of Bia before he could reach her.

A cordon was placed at the junction of Commercial Place, The Terrace, and Milton Place while search and rescue operations were underway. Witnesses reported seeing police boats and a helicopter scanning the water and surrounding area.

MP Statement and Call for Respect

Dr Lauren Sullivan, MP for Gravesham, issued a statement offering her “deepest condolences” and thanking all emergency responders involved in the search.

“At the heart of this is a family and community in grief, which I hope everyone can respect,” she said. “This was a devastating tragedy, and our thoughts are with everyone affected.”

Community Mourning a Life Cut Short

The tragedy has left the Gravesend community in mourning, with many expressing sadness at the loss of such a young life. Friends, neighbours, and local residents have left flowers near the river, and calls for increased water safety awareness have been reignited.