A quiet Friday turned into tragedy on Roosevelt Island, when a 15-year-old girl went missing in the waters of the East River. According to authorities, the teenager, a resident of the Upper East Side, was near the island’s bridge with a friend when, for reasons still unclear, she entered the water and never resurfaced.
Eyewitnesses reported that the girl, who was wearing a floral-patterned swimsuit, had been sitting on the rocks near the shoreline. Some suggested she may have gone into the water to retrieve a dropped item, possibly a phone, but the exact circumstances remain uncertain. A passerby told police the girl had climbed over a fence and then slipped on the rocks before falling into the river. Her friend, who was with her at the time, tried to stop her, shouting that she couldn’t swim but to no avail.
Emergency teams, including NYPD harbor units and FDNY divers, immediately launched a search, supported by drones and helicopters. The girl’s personal belongings, including books, a bag, and clothing, were found not far from the scene. However, adverse weather conditions forced authorities to temporarily suspend search operations.
The East River area is known for its strong currents and deep waters, which can reach speeds of up to 6 miles. The combination of swift currents, limited visibility, and uneven riverbeds makes this stretch particularly dangerous even for experienced swimmers.
Authorities have stated that, at this time, there is no suspicion of criminal activity. The incident is under investigation to determine the exact cause of the teenager’s disappearance. The local community, shaken by the events, has voiced concern about safety conditions along the island’s shoreline.
