At approximately 9:45pm yesterday evening, a dramatic collision between a Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit boat and Central London Bridge sent several officers tumbling into the River Thames. The chaotic scene was played out on one of London's busiest waterways, with eyewitnesses describing the impact as 'sudden' and 'forceful'.
The incident, which occurred during what is understood to be a routine patrol, has prompted an immediate investigation by authorities seeking to establish the cause of the collision. While details remain sketchy at this early stage, it is clear that nearby vessels and emergency services sprang into action with alacrity, rapidly deploying marine units, fire brigades, and paramedics to the scene.
Fortunately, all crew members were accounted for and rescued from the water without major incident. However, several officers are understood to have received medical attention at the scene, their conditions currently undisclosed due to ongoing assessments by emergency services.
The Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit has a long history of patrolling the Thames, providing security for events along the river and responding to incidents with expertise and professionalism. While such incidents are rare, they serve as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks faced by those operating on this busy waterway.