LONDON COASTGUARD COORDINATE SEARCH FOR MISSING KAYAKER

London Coastguard have been coordinating the search for a missing kayaker this afternoon, after his upturned boat and oars were spotted by a member of the public at the Hammerton’s ferry at 12.30 pm this afternoon.

London Coastguard requested the Teddington RNLI lifeboat to launch and this was shortly followed by the other Teddington RNLI lifeboat. The Chiswick RNLI Lifeboat also joined the search later. The Police helicopter carried out a search and Police on foot are also undertaking  a shorebased search. The Port of London Authority harbour launch and other vessels also joined the search. The search is ongoing at this time.

Bob Forbes, London Coastguard Watch Manager says:
"We have been carrying out an intensive search of the River Thames in the Eel Pie Island to Richmond area for a couple of hours now but sadly we have not been able to find any sign of the missing kayaker yet. He was not wearing a buoyancy aid."

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