Boy, 13, Goes Missing Near River While Playing with a Friend as Dad Shares Their Last Conversation

A 13-year-old boy named Mylo Capilla has been reported missing after he is suspected to have entered a local river while playing with a friend. Mylo’s dad, Dan, shared that he last saw his son about five hours before he was reported missing, receiving a hug from him before he went out to play. Dan described his son as a caring and jovial boy who always aims to bring joy to others. The incident took place in the parish of Ingleby Barwick, according to Cleveland Police in England, as Mylo was last seen on Thursday, June 26.

Authorities have launched an extensive search effort for the teenager who vanished after reportedly entering the river while playing with his friend in the area known as the “muddies” near Ramsey Gardens. The river in question is believed to be the River Tees according to reports from the BBC and The Daily Express. Dan recalled the last interaction with his son, stating that Mylo visited him with his friend, interacted with the family dog, exchanged expressions of affection, and then left to play, setting the scene for his sudden disappearance.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland confirmed that Mylo was reported missing around 9 p.m. on the night he disappeared. Dan shared that his ex-partner, Mylo’s mother, expressed concerns about their son’s whereabouts, prompting the alarming discovery of his belongings including his black Carrera bike, black jacket and iPhone near Copper Gardens. Dan expressed feeling numb and helpless as he grapples with the unexpected turn of events, emphasizing Mylo’s loving and caring nature that makes his disappearance entirely out of character.

The search efforts have mobilized a multi-agency response involving the Cleveland Fire Brigade, National Police Air Service, marine water rescue teams, and mountain rescue teams alongside law enforcement. Specialist units such as police drones and dogs have been deployed in the search operation. Tees River Rescue also joined the search, deploying boats, a welfare vehicle and volunteers along the riverbanks. Sutherland urged the public to refrain from conducting their own searches near the river for safety reasons and to allow the designated teams to conduct the search effectively.

The community, family, and friends of Mylo are deeply distressed by the situation, as Sutherland acknowledged the emotional impact of the incident. The search and rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate Mylo, and any information from the public is encouraged to aid in the investigation. The assistance of the public is critical in supporting the authorities’ search efforts, and any relevant information can be reported by contacting the police hotline at 101. The collective hope remains strong in the safe return of Mylo Capilla as the search operation continues amidst the community’s concerns and prayers for his well-being.