Body pulled from River Thames days after man vanished rowing boat
A body has been recovered from the River Thames amid rescue teams’ search for a man in his 60s who went missing after a rowing boat capsized.
The missing man, who is a Weybridge Rowing Club member, entered the water near Sunbury Lock, Surrey, on October 11 with five other people on board.
While the five adults were rescued, he remained the only person who had not been accounted for.
Police yesterday said a body had been pulled from the waterway near Sunbury Weird but the formal identification has yet to take place.
The family of the missing man are being supported by specialist officers, Surrey Police said.
A general view of the River Thames near Sunbury Lock, in Surrey, where a man in his 60s went missing
Police officers stand near the scene where the boat capsized. A body has since been recovered from the river
Five adults were rescued after the boat capsized and three of them were taken to hospital for further checks. (Search and rescue teams pictured at the scene)
Weybridge Rowing Club confirmed that it was one of their boats which ‘got into difficulty following an on-water incident’. (Pictured, fire crews taking part in rescue efforts)
An investigation has been launched but the incident is not being treated as suspicious.
Chief Inspector Andy Jenkins said ‘Throughout this tragic incident we have been in close contact with the man’s family to offer them support and information during this incredibly difficult time.
‘Our thoughts remain with them, and we ask that their privacy is respected while they come to terms with their loss.’
Emergency services were called to Sunbury Lock, Sunbury-on-Thames, at about 8.50am on Friday October 11, Surrey Police said.
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 (October 11).’
Five other adults were rescued after the boat capsized and three of them were taken to hospital for further checks.
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.’
