A routine patrol on the River Thames turned into a dramatic rescue operation yesterday when a Metropolitan Police boat slammed into Westminster Bridge, injuring five officers and throwing three of them into the water.
The collision occurred at about 3:40pm beside Britain’s parliament building, prompting nearby vessels to pull the officers from the river.
In a statement, the UK capital’s Metropolitan Police Service said that “a boat from the Met’s Marine Policing Unit struck Westminster Bridge while responding to a report of a person in the water”.
The Met, the UK’s largest police service, said all five officers were injured and, after receiving first aid, were taken to hospital. One officer has since been discharged.
Police officers cordon off Westminster Bridge
A Metropolitan police boat is seen moored near the scene
Television footage aired on UK news channels showed Westminster Bridge — normally crowded with tourists and commuter traffic — sealed off and emptied of pedestrians and vehicles, with emergency service vehicles positioned close to the scene.
Met official Nick John said “the four officers who remain in hospital have serious but non-life-threatening injuries”.
He expressed gratitude to crews on nearby boats who assisted in the rescue, along with other emergency responders.
“The quick-thinking and professionalism of all those involved undoubtedly prevented any further injuries,” Mr John said, adding that no members of the public were injured.
The Marine Policing Unit patrols 75 kilometres of the River Thames.
