Man still missing seven days after boat capsizes on the Thames

By James Smith 17th Oct 2024

Rescues teams at the scene on the River Thames (image supplied)
Rescues teams at the scene on the River Thames (image supplied)

It has been seven days since a boat capsized on the Thames at Sunbury Lock, which is West of Kingston, and a man is reported to still be missing.

Emergency services were called to Sunbury Lock near Wheatleys Eyot at around 8.50am on Friday 11 October to the report of a "boat capsizing".

It is understood that a crew from Weybridge Rowing Club were rowing on the Thames before a boat capsized and six adults fell into the water.

While five were found, one man is still missing.

Today, 17 October, as the search for the man enters its seventh day, emergency services are continuing their search of the River Thames.

Surrey Police said a visible police presence will remain in the area for the duration of the week, directed by specialist police search officers to help find the man who is allegedly in his 60s.

The man's family are being supported by a specialist officer.

A recent statement published by the Weybridge Rowing Club reads that there were three crew members of the rowing boat, a coach, and a member of the public who came to assist, who were all safely rescued from the water.

So, it is understood a sixth person, a fourth crew member of the boat, remains missing.

An ambulance spokesperson said that three of the five rescued were taken to hospital for further checks.

The missing man's identity has not yet been confirmed as his family have requested not to publicly disclose his name at this time while they come to terms with event, the rowing club said.

Emergency service crews are still searching the river for him.

On Monday, 14 October, Surrey Police said that the search parameters were extended due to the fast-flowing nature of the river.

While the police are still trying to uncover why the boat capsized, they said they do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement at this time.

Weybridge Rowing Club updated their statement on Monday, saying the club is "devastated to write that a member of our club is still missing".

"We are grateful that due to the efforts of members of the public and others who responded to the accident, the other three members of the crew, our coach and a member of the public who came to assist and also ended up in the water when their boat capsized, are safe.

"A police family liaison office has been assigned to support the family, who have requested not to publicly disclose the name of the missing person at this time while they come to terms with events.

"Those who are aware who this is, please respect the family's wishes

"We are currently working with the relevant authorities and witness statements are ongoing."

The statement continued: "We want to extended our heartfelt thanks to all the members of the public who came to our assistance, for the supportive messages we have received from other rowing clubs and other river users."

     

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