Sarah Brady
Updated on: October 17, 2024 10:45 am GMT
One person is missing, and several others have been injured after a small boat capsized on the Thames River near Sunbury Lock in Surrey. This distressing incident occurred early Friday morning, sparking a swift response from various rescue teams.
Incident Overview
At approximately 8:51 AM BST, emergency services received reports of a capsized vessel. According to Surrey Police, there were six individuals on board when the boat overturned. Five people have been safely rescued, while teams work diligently to locate the missing person.
Rescue operations quickly mobilized, with crews from the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Surrey Police, and the coastguard all at the scene. A fire service spokesperson highlighted the ongoing efforts to locate the sixth individual and urged the public to avoid the area to allow rescue teams to do their work without interruption.
Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations have included:
- Deployment of hazardous response teams by the South East Coast Ambulance Service.
- Three of the rescued individuals were transported to St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey for evaluation.
- Continued searches for the missing person, supported by multiple agencies.
Surrey Police provided updates via social media, emphasizing that safety remains the top priority. “We believe that there were six people involved in the incident, and five of these have been safely located,” the police stated in a Facebook post.
Community Impact
The incident has caused concern in the local community, as residents rally to provide support in any way they can. Local authorities are encouraging anyone with information related to the missing person to come forward. The police are presently focusing on rescue operations and gathering further details about the circumstances leading to the capsizing.
“This unfortunate event has deeply affected our community,” remarked a local resident. “Our thoughts are with the families of those involved, especially the one who is still missing.”
Safety Precautions on the Thames
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety while boating. While the Thames is a popular spot for recreational boating, it’s crucial for all individuals on the water to follow safety guidelines, including:
- Wearing life jackets at all times.
- Checking weather conditions before heading out.
- Making sure boats are equipped with the necessary safety gear.
- Not overloading vessels with passengers.
Due to the unpredictable nature of rivers and potential hazards, boater safety should always be a priority.
What’s Next?
Rescue teams will continue their search for the missing individual. Frequent updates are anticipated from Surrey Police and local emergency services as new information arises. As the situation evolves, families of those involved will be kept informed about the ongoing rescue efforts.
The local community stands united in hoping for a positive outcome as rescue efforts persist. People are encouraged to follow news outlets for further developments and to assist where possible.
To stay updated on this situation, follow local news sources or the Surrey Police on social media.
After such sad events, we can really see how strong the community is and how hard the emergency teams are working. As the search teams keep looking for answers, we are thinking of everyone affected and hoping for a safe outcome.
