Rescuers hunt for man in his 60's after boat in River Thames capsized

A man in his 60s is missing and five others adults have been rescued after a rowing boat capsized on the River Thames. 

Emergency teams were called to Sunbury Lock, Sunbury-on-Thames, at around 8.50am on Friday, Surrey Police said.

Six people were on the boat when it flipped over, sparking an urgent rescue mission to pull the victims from the water.

Five of the rowers having been located, with three being taken to hospital for precautionary checks.

However, rescuers are still searching for the missing man, who they believe may still be in the river. 

Efforts to establish how the boat capsized are ongoing, police said.

The river reportedly had a red warning notice on it for fast-flowing waters and 'strong stream'.

A force spokesperson added: 'Sadly, we believe a man in his 60s may still be in the river.

'His relatives have been informed and are being kept updated.'

Chief Inspector for North Surrey, Andy Jenkins said; 'This is a very distressing time for all involved and we continue to support our partners in the search for the missing man.

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'Our inquires to establish the exact circumstances of how the boat capsized remain underway but at this time we do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement.

'We will look to share any further updates with you as and when we have them.'

A Surrey Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: 'Our crews are on site, working with the coastguard, Surrey Police and other agencies.

'Five individuals were rescued, and work is ongoing to locate a sixth.'

South East Coast Ambulance said it scrambled crews to Sunbury Lock after being alerted to a 'number of people in difficulty'. 

'Ambulance crews including our Hazardous Area Response Team attended the scene alongside police and fire service colleagues,' a spokesman told Surrey Live. 

'Five people were brought to safety, three of whom have been taken to St Peter's Hospital for further checks.'

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said: 'We were alerted to a small boat capsized on Sunbury Lock, near Wheatleys Eyot at approximately 08:51am today.

'Our crews are on site, working with the coastguard, Surrey Police and other agencies. Five individuals were rescued, and work is ongoing to locate a sixth.

'Please avoid the area during this time.'