Tower RNLI saves person from River Thames

Duty Thames Commander Mick Nield said, 'Tower Lifeboat was tasked alongside the Marine Police and London Fire Brigade boat to reports of shouting coming from the river.’

With an initially large search area, the RNLI volunteers began a coordinated search between Blackfriars Bridge and London Bridge.

Mick added, 'Conditions at the time included a slight flood tide, increasing the urgency of the search. As additional information was received, the lifeboat crew focused their efforts closer to the south bank near Blackfriars Bridge.'

'During a second sweep of the area, a member of my crew spotted the casualty in the water, the person was barely afloat, and at the time appeared unable to assist themselves. We then immediately maneuvered the lifeboat and the casualty was recovered onboard by the crew.'

Once safely aboard, the crew carried out an initial assessment while returning to Tower Lifeboat Station. The casualty remained conscious and was showing signs consistent with cold-water immersion.

On arrival at the Lifeboat Pier, London Ambulance Service was waiting to take over care. The casualty was transferred into the Lifeboat Station’s casualty care room, the first operational use of the facility since recent maintenance works were completed, before being handed over to ambulance crews for further treatment.

Although this was the 17th tasking so far for 2026, this rescue marks a significant moment for Tower RNLI, as it was the first rescue to return to Tower Lifeboat Pier, making full use of the world-class search and rescue facilities that arrived below Waterloo Bridge in March 2023.

Tower RNLI Station Manager Kevin Maynard said, 'This was an excellent example of teamwork and vigilance. The quick actions and sharp observation of the four crew were vital. Without that timely intervention & volunteer crew member Mark spotting the casualty in darkness, the outcome could have been very different.'

Tower RNLI continues to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing a vital lifesaving service on the busiest stretches of water in the UK.

Notes to Editor

Tower RNLI, based in the heart of London, is our busiest lifeboat station. The crew are on the station 24/7, 365 days a year- ready to respond to any incident immediately.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact:

· Ashley Bard, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected]

· Jess Curtis, Regional Communications Manager [email protected]

· RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789