Teddington RNLI Reins In Adrift Narrowboat
At 4.24am on November 29th, one of the two Teddington RNLI lifeboats was called out to help resident narrowboat owners whose boat had come adrift near Hampton Court Palace.
The boat had been tied to a post which failed due to the very high river conditions and fast current, the boat had then become lodged on a structure under the water. The Teddington inflatable D Class lifeboat, Peter Saw was ideal for the rescue as it does not have a keel and can cope with shallow water.
While the RNLI lifeboat did not tow the narrowboat away, as no one was in any immediate danger, the skilled volunteer crew was able to assist in securing it and giving valuable advice on a local specialist as well as life jacket recommendations.
Fiona, the narrowboat owner said, ‘We’re very grateful to the Teddington lifeboat RNLI crew. It’s horrible when you feel like you are alone in a difficult situation, but we weren’t because the RNLI were there for us that day. They kept us safe overnight. The three crew were lovely, very competent and professional, friendly and lent us lifejackets as we didn’t have them on this boat. We’ve learnt a lot from the experience. You don’t want your home to end up on the bottom of the river!’
Jon Chapman, the RNLI helm (lead) crew member on the night added, ‘Our volunteer crews are highly trained in life-saving skills but also understand the dangers of the Thames and threats to the safety of boat users. A reminder that sometimes a more limited intervention may produce the best outcome. We were happy to be able to help this couple, their home and avoid any further possible concern.’
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Media contacts
For further information contact Gianna Saccomani, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07798905515 or [email protected] or Grace Palmieri, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07855487508 or [email protected] or the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [email protected].
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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 more than 146,000 lives.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.