Man in his 60s missing after Thames boat capsizes in Surrey

A man in his 60s is missing and three others have been taken to hospital after a boat capsized on the Thames.

Rescuers were searching for the missing man, who they believe may still be in the river, and asked the public to avoid the scene at Sunbury lock, near Wheatleys Eyot in Surrey.

Police were trying to establish how the boat capsized.

The Surrey force said in statement: “Sadly, we believe a man in his 60s may still be in the river. His relatives have been informed and are being kept updated.”

Ch Insp 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.

“Our inquires to establish the exact circumstances of how the boat capsized remain under way 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.”

The emergency services were called to the scene at 8.50am on Friday after receiving reports of a small boat capsizing, Surrey police said in a post on Facebook.

“We believe that there were six people involved in the incident, and five of these have been safely located. We are working to locate the outstanding person and will update you as soon as we have more information.”

South East Coast ambulance service said it deployed ambulance crews, including a hazardous response team, alongside a team from Surrey fire and rescue. It said three people were taken to hospital in Chertsey.

“Five people were brought to safety, three of whom have been taken to St Peter’s hospital for further checks,” the service said.

A Surrey fire and rescue spokesperson said its crews were on site, working with the coastguard, police and other agencies.