One Person Missing After Boat Capsizes on River Thames

Surrey Police responded to an emergency call at approximately 8:50 am on Friday, following reports of a small boat capsizing on the River Thames near Sunbury Lock, close to Wheatleys Eyot. Six individuals were aboard the vessel, though one person remains unaccounted for.

The boat, identified as a rowing vessel, overturned in the waterway, prompting a rapid multi-agency response. Surrey Police’s Elmbridge Beat, South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAMB), and Surrey Fire and Rescue are actively involved in the search for the missing person. Additionally, HM Coastguard and RNLI Teddington lifeboats were deployed to assist in the operation.

Elmbridge Beat confirmed that five of the individuals involved have been safely located. A SECAMB spokesperson stated that three of those rescued were transported to a hospital for further evaluation. The public has been advised to steer clear of the area to facilitate the ongoing rescue efforts.

The missing individual is believed to be a man in his 60s. His family has been informed and is being updated as the situation unfolds. Chief Inspector Andy Jenkins of North Surrey commented, “This is a very distressing time for all involved and we continue to support our partners in the search for the missing man.”

The circumstances surrounding how the boat capsized remain under investigation, though the Surrey Police have indicated that they do not suspect any foul play or third-party involvement at this stage. Authorities are continuing their inquiries to fully understand the events leading up to the incident.