London SE1 community website

Speedboat sinks near Millennium Bridge

London SE1 website team

London lifeboat crew members saved the lives of a group of four - moments before their speedboat sank to the bottom of the Thames on Sunday afternoon.

Speedboat sinks near Millennium Bridge
Photo courtesy RNLI

The drama unfolded around 2pm on Sunday 7 July when the group's boat began taking on water close to the Millennium Bridge.

The crew contacted the coastguard by mobile phone and the Tower RNLI raced to the scene.

The lifeboat crew pulled all four occupants of the speedboat to safety with moments to spare as the boat then sank before them.

The incident was captured on the lifeboat's camera, and clearly shows how close the group came to serious danger. None of the group were wearing lifejackets.

Helmsman Stuart Morrison said: "Most of the UK has been basking in glorious sunshine this weekend, and whilst we'd urge people to make the most of it, we'd also remind them of the importance of keeping safe near the water.

"In this instance, we really were there in the nick of time, but had it been different, then these four individuals would have ended up in the Thames without lifejackets."

With the four relieved occupants safely aboard the lifeboat, the crew were able to tether their boat, the bow of which was still sticking out of the water, so that it did not become a hazard to passing vessels.

The Port of London Authority and the London Fire Brigade then arrived on scene to recover the boat.

Chris Walker, Tower RNLI crew member, added: "If you're heading out on the water today, remember to always wear a lifejacket. It might be a warm day but accidents can and do happen."

The SE1 website is supported by people like you
We are part of
Independent Community News Network
Email newsletter

For the latest local news and events direct to your inbox every Monday, you need our weekly email newsletter SE1 Direct.

Archive
News archive from February 1999 to January 2001
Got a story for us?
Contact us with your tip-offs and story ideas.