The waters of the River Thames were the scene of a dramatic and potentially catastrophic incident yesterday evening, when a police boat carrying armed officers collided with Westminster Bridge in central London. Five Metropolitan Police officers were left injured as a result, sparking an emergency response that drew in multiple agencies and brought significant disruption to transport services in the area.
A statement from the Metropolitan Police confirmed that the vessel, which was part of the force's Marine Policing Unit, collided with the bridge at approximately 3:40 PM BST. Several officers were forced into the water but were successfully recovered by emergency responders. Paramedics treated those injured on a rigid inflatable boat moored alongside the river, while the full extent of their injuries remains under investigation.
The incident prompted an immediate response from transport authorities, with buses and coaches diverted away from the area due to significant traffic congestion. Transport for London confirmed that some entrances to Westminster Underground station had also been closed as a precaution, impacting commuters and visitors to the area.
Emergency services, including the London Fire Brigade and Port of London Authority, worked closely together to respond to the incident. A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade stated that their fire boat and three water rescue units were deployed in support of the Metropolitan Police's operation. The Port of London Authority confirmed it was working with HM Coastguard to manage the situation on the river.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is now underway, led by the Metropolitan Police. This will aim to identify the cause of the incident and explore measures to prevent similar occurrences in future. The collision serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by marine policing officers operating in one of the busiest waterways in Europe.