An urgent missing persons appeal has been launched by Gardaí in coordination with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) as the search intensifies for 17-year-old Maria Silaieva, who has been missing from her home in Dromore, Co Down, since Friday, April 18.
The teenager was reported missing by her family on Friday morning, prompting swift action from authorities on both sides of the border. Maria is believed to have travelled from Northern Ireland to attend an event in Dundalk, Co Louth, on Thursday, April 17, and may have since made her way to the Dublin area.
Cross-Border Cooperation Underway
A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed that efforts are ongoing to trace the teenager’s movements and that public assistance is now being sought.
“Gardaí are assisting the Police Service of Northern Ireland in seeking the public’s help in tracing the whereabouts of 17-year-old Maria Silaieva, who is reported as missing from her home in Dromore, Co. Down since Friday morning, 18th April 2025,” the spokesperson said.
“Maria attended an event in Dundalk, Co. Louth, on Thursday, 17th April and is now believed to be in the Dublin area.”
Both Irish and Northern Irish authorities have expressed growing concern for Maria’s welfare and are urging members of the public who may have seen her or have any relevant information to come forward.
Description Issued to Aid Search
To assist in the investigation, Gardaí have released a physical description of Maria in the hope that someone might recognise her and provide valuable information regarding her location.
Maria is described as:
- Approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall
- Slim build
- Long brown hair
- Greenish-brown eyes
She may be travelling alone or in the company of others, and authorities are not ruling out the possibility that she may still be in the Dublin area or elsewhere within the Republic of Ireland.
Appeal for Information
Maria’s family, as well as the Gardaí and PSNI, are said to be deeply concerned for her wellbeing. As the investigation continues, authorities are calling on anyone who may have seen Maria recently or who may know of her current location to contact the relevant agencies.
Information can be reported to:
- Ballymun Garda Station on 01 666 4400
- Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111
- Any Garda station
This missing persons case comes amid ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to improve cross-border cooperation in missing persons investigations, particularly in cases involving minors.
For those who may have information but are unsure whether it’s relevant, Gardaí stress that even small details could make a significant difference in locating Maria and ensuring her safety.
Continued Focus on Missing Persons Cases
Maria’s disappearance is the latest in a series of high-profile missing persons cases in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Earlier this year, Gardaí and PSNI successfully collaborated on several cross-jurisdictional cases, highlighting the effectiveness of unified operations.
The Garda Missing Persons Bureau continues to update its records and work with international policing bodies to locate individuals reported missing across Ireland.
Gardaí urge the public to stay informed and vigilant. If you believe you may have seen Maria or have any other information that could assist, you are encouraged to come forward as soon as possible.
