A man in his 60s is missing following a dramatic incident on the River Thames in Walton-on-Thames, where a rowing boat capsized early on Friday morning. Emergency services were alerted shortly after 8:51 BST, responding to reports of the capsized vessel near Sunbury Lock, close to Wheatleys Eyot.
Crews from the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, coastguard units, and local police swiftly arrived at the scene to assist in the rescue operation.
According to Surrey Police, six adults were in the water when the boat overturned. While five individuals have since been accounted for, authorities have confirmed that one man remains unaccounted for and is believed to be submerged in the river.
In a statement, the police said, “Sadly, we believe a man in his 60s may still be in the river. His relatives have been informed and are being kept updated.” The missing man’s family is currently facing a distressing ordeal as rescue teams continue their efforts to locate him.
Three of the rescued individuals were taken to local hospitals for further medical checks, although the extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.
A spokesperson for the ambulance service indicated that the victims are receiving appropriate care, while the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that their crews departed the scene in the afternoon, leaving the ongoing search to police and other agencies.
As search efforts continue, local authorities have urged members of the public to avoid the area to ensure that rescue teams can operate effectively. A spokesperson for the fire service stated, “At that time, the incident was still ongoing with the police and other agencies.”
The circumstances surrounding the capsizing of the boat remain under investigation. Chief Inspector Andy Jenkins remarked on the situation, stating, “This is a very distressing time for all involved, and we continue to support our partners in the search for the missing man.”
He added that inquiries are underway to determine the exact events leading to the incident, although at this time, police do not suspect any foul play or third-party involvement.
Monica Harding, the Member of Parliament for Esher and Walton, expressed her condolences, saying, “This is an extremely distressing incident, and my thoughts are with the family and all those impacted.” Her comments reflect the concern felt by the local community as search operations progress.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency (EA) has issued guidance regarding river conditions on the Thames. Warnings for the area between Shepperton and Molesey locks were raised to “red caution: strong stream” on Friday, advising boat users to refrain from navigating due to dangerous conditions.
The agency emphasizes that strong river flows pose significant hazards, urging all boat-owners to remain vigilant about river conditions, regardless of whether they are on the water.
The search for the missing man continues, with local authorities and rescue teams committed to finding him as quickly as possible. Updates from Surrey Police indicate that they will keep the public informed as the situation develops and further inquiries into the incident unfold.
