Search for missing man in River Thames after boat with six on board capsizes

Rescuers at Sunbury Lock, Surrey  (UKNIP)
Rescuers at Sunbury Lock, Surrey (UKNIP)

A rowing boat carrying six people has capsized in the River Thames with one man on board still missing.

Police as well as paramedics and firefighters rushed to Sunbury Lock near Wheatleys Eyot in Surrey following reports of a small boat in trouble at around 8.50am.

Five people have been found and a search is ongoing for the missing sixth person, a man in his 60s.

Three of the five rescued were taken to hospital for further checks, an ambulance service spokesperson said.

Police are trying to establish how the boat capsized.

Surrey Police said: “Sadly, we believe a man in his 60s may still be in the river. His relatives have been informed and are being kept updated.

“At this time, enquiries to establish the full circumstances of what occurred remain ongoing.”

Chief Inspector Andy Jenkins added: “This is a very distressing time for all involved and we continue to support our partners in the search for the missing man.

“Our enquires to establish the exact circumstances of how the boat capsized remain underway but at this time we do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement.

“We will look to share any further updates with you as and when we have them.“

In a post on social media Surrey Police’s Elmbridge Beat said: “We, along with other emergency services including Secamb and Surrey Fire and Rescue, are currently on scene at Sunbury Lock near Wheatleys Eyot after we were called at around 8.50am this morning (October 11) following reports of a small boat capsizing.

“We believe that there were six people involved in the incident, and five of these have been safely located. We are working to locate the outstanding person and will update you as soon as we have more information.

“Please avoid the area if possible.”

A woman walking her dog near the river on Friday evening said she had seen a red rescue boat on the water at about 10am and there was a helicopter nearby at the same time.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: "We could see they were searching in the water, they had walkie talkies, we could tell they were looking for something."

Local vicar Andrew Downes posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Sombre scenes here in Sunbury-on-Thames as the authorities search.

“Please join me with your prayers for a good outcome.”

A spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance Service said crews were called to reports of a number of people in difficulty in the water at approximately 8.59am.

“Ambulance crews including our Hazardous Area Response Team attended the scene alongside police and fire service colleagues.

“Five people were brought to safety, three of whom have been taken to St Peter's Hospital for further checks,” he said.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service added: “Our crews are on site, working with the coastguard, Surrey Police and other agencies.

“Five individuals were rescued, and work is ongoing to locate a sixth.”