Mass rescue as rowing boats sink in Thames

Dozens of rowers were rescued from the River Thames today after a big boat race was hit by severe weather.

Lifeguards had to pull 34 people from the water when a number of boats began taking in water and capsizing, a spokesman for the RNLI said.

At least two people were taken to hospital, one suffering from severe hypothermia, Wayne Bellamy, manager of RNLI’s Chiswick station.

The lifeboats were called out when the 22nd Vesta International Veterans’ Head of River Race hit difficulties this afternoon.

The competition, with up to 145 boats – each with eight rowers and a cox - was staged along the traditional Boat Race route between Putney and Mortlake, south London.

The police Marine Support Unit was called in at around 1.05pm to assist the RNLI with the rescue.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Some crew members have been taken to a nearby rowing club where they will be treated.”