Search for man missing when boat capsized in River Thames continues

by · Mail Online

A police search is ongoing for a man who went missing after a rowing boat capsized on the River Thames.

Emergency services were called to Sunbury Lock, Sunbury-on-Thames, at about 8.50am on Friday, Surrey Police said.

Five other adults were rescued after the boat capsized, but a man in his 60s was still missing this morning.

Weybridge Rowing Club confirmed that it was one of their boats which 'got into difficulty following an on-water incident'.

In a statement it said: ​'The club is working closely with the emergency services, police, Environment Agency and other agencies to aid the search for the missing person and to investigate the events that took place yesterday.'

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

Rescue teams have appealed for members of the public to avoid the area while the search continues.

Emergency services have rushed to the scene after a boat carrying six people capsized 
One person is still missing, while three others have been taken to hospital 

In an update, Surrey Police said: 'The search continues today for a man who was in a rowing boat that capsized yesterday morning.

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'We, along with other emergency services, were called to Sunbury Lock near Wheatleys Eyot at around 8.50am yesterday morning after reports that six adults had entered the water.

'Five of those people were safely located but a man in his 60s remains missing.' 

Efforts to establish how the boat capsized are ongoing, police said.

The river reportedly had a red warning notice on it for fast-flowing waters and 'strong stream'.

A force spokesperson added: 'Sadly, we believe a man in his 60s may still be in the river.

'His relatives have been informed and are being kept updated.'

Chief Inspector for North Surrey, Andy Jenkins said; 'This is a very distressing time for all involved and we continue to support our partners in the search for the missing man.

'Our inquires 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 an update, Surrey Police said: 'The search continues today for a man who was in a rowing boat that capsized yesterday morning'
A general view of the River Thames near Sunbury Lock, in Surrey, where a man in his 60s is missing

A Surrey Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson 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.'

South East Coast Ambulance said it scrambled crews to Sunbury Lock after being alerted to a 'number of people in difficulty'. 

'Ambulance crews including our Hazardous Area Response Team attended the scene alongside police and fire service colleagues,' a spokesman told Surrey Live. 

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

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said: 'We were alerted to a small boat capsized on Sunbury Lock, near Wheatleys Eyot at approximately 08:51am today.

'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.

'Please avoid the area during this time.'