Chiswick RNLI lifeboat crew rescue rowers pinned by tide against pier
On Saturday afternoon, 21 May 2016, Chiswick RNLI lifeboat crew were outside Harrods depository when they heard from a passing rowing coach that a rowing eight was pinned by the strong flood tide against houseboats at Dove Pier on Hammersmith Mall.
When they arrived they found the vessel pinned by the tide against two houseboats. The flood tide was very strong and the rowers were unable to extricate themselves.
Helmsman Glen Monroe carefully manoeuvred the lifeboat close to the rowers, and with great skill kept the lifeboat in position, stemming the tide while getting close enough to the rowers to get them on board.
Glen commented: 'We have helped a number of crews in powered and unpowered craft getting caught out by the strong tide sweeping round this bend in the river. Our concern is that if anyone ends up in the water they could be swept underneath vessels on the pier and become trapped in the mooring chains or other underwater obstructions.
'We took great care not to disturb the rowers’ boat when we approached and managed to get them all on board the lifeboat without anyone getting their feet wet.'
Chiswick RNLI lifeboat is the second busiest in the UK and Ireland; since starting service in 2002, they have attended more than 2,900 incidents and rescued more than 1,500 people.
Notes to editors
•The RNLI has 237 lifeboat stations including four on the River Thames. Chiswick RNLI lifeboat became operational on the 2nd January 2002. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.chiswicklifeboat.org.uk or http://www.facebook.com/ChiswickRNLI
•The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and Government and is entirely supported by voluntary contributions.
•For more information, video or photos contact David Clarke, Chiswick RNLI Volunteer Press Officer on 0795 121 0500
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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