Hundreds evacuated in the Thames

A Thames tourist boat had to be evacuated after it clashed with a barge in the River Thames near the iconic Oxo Tower, near Blackfriars Bridge.

A number of passengers were hurt, including three people sustaining neck injuries. The stranded passengers were transferred to other boats in a major rescue operation. The incident took place at 2.15pm.

The boat is operated by City Cruises. It was clearly damaged by the crash but did not appear to be sinking.

Scotland Yard stated “Police were called to the Thames, near the Oxo Tower, at 2.15pm today following reports of a passenger ferry and cargo boat in collision.

“The Metropolitan Police’s Marine Support Unit, Coastguard, London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service are all in attendance and are currently in the process of taking those on board the ships to shore.

“At this stage there are believed to be a small number of people with minor injuries including cuts and whiplash.

“Nobody from either vessel entered the water following the collision, and neither boat is believed to be at risk of sinking.”