Mylo Capilla Missing: Massive Search Underway for 13-Year-Old Boy Last Seen Near River Tees in Ingleby Barwick

An intense and emotionally charged search effort is underway in Teesside after 13-year-old Mylo Capilla went missing near the River Tees in the Ingleby Barwick area. The incident, which began unfolding around 9 p.m. on Thursday night, has mobilized a large multi-agency response involving Cleveland Police, fire services, ambulance teams, and volunteer search units—all racing against time to locate the teenager.

According to official reports, Mylo was last seen near an area locally known as “the Muddies,” close to Ramsey Gardens. The terrain, made up of marshy banks and steep embankments, poses serious risks both for those searching and for anyone potentially navigating the area without supervision. It is here that the young boy reportedly disappeared from sight, prompting alarm and swift mobilization of emergency services.

Witnesses say Mylo was wearing a dark T-shirt and dark-colored pants when he was last spotted. Given the late hour and the lack of visibility around the riverbanks, locating him has proven both logistically and emotionally complex. Cleveland Police quickly issued a public appeal, urging anyone with information to contact them using reference number 117649. Authorities are treating every tip as potentially crucial, as the window for locating a missing person near water narrows quickly with time.

Tees River Rescue, a well-respected volunteer organization, was deployed to the scene shortly after 9:15 p.m. on June 26, responding to the call within minutes of Mylo’s disappearance. With two boats and a welfare vehicle manned by eight volunteers, their involvement added a layer of expertise to the developing situation. However, Tees River Rescue has stated they will not release further details for the time being, and they’ve echoed the official safety warnings—cautioning the public to stay away from the water and treacherous riverbanks to avoid further endangering lives.

Meanwhile, the North East Ambulance Service confirmed that they were also alerted and responded promptly at 9:29 p.m. Their on-site deployment includes not only a standard ambulance crew and duty officer, but also three specialized teams from the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), underlining the severity and urgency of the incident. These teams are trained for complex and high-risk environments, including water-based searches and rescues.

Local concern has swelled since the announcement of the missing child. Ingleby Barwick residents have rallied in emotional support, with many offering help while respecting the official warnings. In such closely knit communities, the disappearance of a young resident like Mylo becomes a deeply personal matter, impacting neighbors, classmates, teachers, and friends.

The area where Mylo went missing—the River Tees corridor—is both scenic and perilous. Known for its steep embankments, swift currents, and unpredictable mud flats, it presents a challenging setting for search and rescue operations. Past incidents have highlighted the dangers posed by underestimating such natural features, which is why law enforcement is emphasizing that any assistance from the public must be coordinated through official channels.

Cleveland Police reiterated this stance in a social media update, asking anyone eager to assist to first liaise directly with officers on site. Entering the water or attempting self-directed searches not only jeopardizes personal safety but also complicates the coordinated efforts currently in motion. The collective message from authorities and emergency agencies is clear: assistance is welcome, but only within the framework of a centralized and controlled response.

Although Mylo has not yet been found, officials continue to commit extensive resources to the search. Police, fire, and ambulance services remain on location, systematically combing the riverbanks and nearby areas. Drone surveillance, sonar technology, and thermal imaging are likely tools being considered or already deployed, though not officially confirmed. The urgency is palpable, and the emotional stakes have only intensified as hours stretch into a second day.

As of now, the case is being treated strictly as a missing person investigation. There has been no suggestion of foul play, though all avenues remain open as detectives work in parallel with the physical search effort to piece together a timeline and collect relevant witness accounts. The potential presence of CCTV in residential areas or along nearby footpaths may provide additional clues about Mylo’s last known movements.

The search has become not just a local story but a regional one, drawing media attention and widespread public empathy. News of the disappearance has spread rapidly across social media, with the hashtag #FindMylo gaining traction among concerned users. Such digital momentum often plays a dual role—spreading awareness quickly, but also requiring careful management to prevent misinformation.

As the day progresses, updates from Cleveland Police and associated emergency services are expected to be released through official platforms. In the meantime, the atmosphere in Ingleby Barwick is one of solemn hope. Local leaders have expressed their solidarity with Mylo’s family, and faith-based organizations have offered spiritual support, including community vigils and prayer circles.

Ultimately, the story of Mylo Capilla’s disappearance underscores the fragility of safety in natural settings and the critical importance of swift, well-coordinated emergency response. It also reflects a broader societal concern over the safety of children in unsupervised environments, particularly those that involve natural hazards like rivers and wetlands.

While the outcome remains uncertain, the dedication of the emergency responders and the solidarity shown by the local community speak volumes. As they continue to search, the message from everyone involved remains resolute: no effort will be spared in bringing Mylo home.