A nine-year-old girl tragically drowned in the River Thames after slipping from a jetty while playing, a coroner's court has heard. Luiza Paun, also known as Bia, was pulled from the water on May 30 last year, following a major search operation launched after she and two boys were reported in difficulty.
Inquest Details the Tragic Incident
The inquest opening at Maidstone heard how Luiza, of Wrotham Road in Gravesend, was playing on a jetty near Gordon Promenade in the same Kent town. She had removed her shoes before slipping into the water. Despite members of the public jumping in to attempt a rescue, the young girl was washed away by the current.
Search and Recovery Efforts
Her body was not located until the following day. Coroner Katrina Hepburn informed the court that Luiza, who was born in Leeds, was later identified by police. The medical cause of death was confirmed as drowning. A full inquest has been scheduled for March 18 at Oakwood House in Maidstone.
The emergency services were scrambled to Royal Terrace Pier in Gravesend at around 1.45pm on May 30 following reports that two children were in trouble in the water. A large-scale search ensued, involving police marine units, a coastguard helicopter, and RNLI lifeboats.
Community Mourning and Tributes
In the days that followed, floral tributes and soft toys were left at Newbridge Causeway, behind the Gravesend Rowing Club house, near where she is believed to have entered the water. Heartfelt messages expressed profound grief, with notes reading 'Rest in peace, little one' and 'May you find eternal peace in the arms of angels.'
Devastated family members, believed to be from Romania, described Luiza as a 'beautiful angel' who 'had her whole life ahead of her.' Gravesham MP Dr Lauren Sullivan posted a social media statement offering her 'deepest condolences' to the family and thanking emergency services for their efforts.
Calls for Improved Safety Measures
It is understood that Bia was playing with her cousin near the water when she slipped and was pulled in by the current. In the wake of the tragedy, there have been calls for enhanced safety measures along the riverbank. Community members have suggested installing more signage warning of the dangers, with some advocating for notices in multiple languages to ensure wider understanding.
Rescue Attempt and Aftermath
According to a spokesperson for the nearby Gravesend Rowing Club, one man swam out using a life ring. He managed to retrieve a seven-year-old boy, who was later taken to hospital in a stable condition, but lost sight of the girl before he could assist her.
George Karnovski, 37, who rescued the 'screaming' child, described the harrowing moment. 'At the same time as pulling him out, I was looking around, like, where is she, where is she?' he said. 'I am shouting, saying 'there is one more, there is one more'. I am looking around, [but] for love nor money, I cannot see the little girl.'
The incident has left the local community in mourning, with MP Sullivan emphasising that at the heart of this tragedy is 'a family and community in grief.' The forthcoming full inquest will examine the circumstances in greater detail.
