Narrowboat crashes in Thames tide

THE crew of the narrowboat Alesha had little chance of averting disaster when the strong Thames Spring tide swept the boat around Hammersmith bridge and crashed it into a moored houseboat yesterday (Wednesday).

It then needed the Chiswick RNLI lifeboat to rescue the crew of the narrowboat as it was held fast against the houseboat by the strength of the tide, and no way of getting off, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Stuck across bow

The houseboat Amethyst was moored alongside a pier in Hammersmith, with the narrowboat stuck across her bow, but no one was injured during the collision.

It seems this is a regular occurrence when a strong tide sweeping around Hammersmith Bridge takes narrowboats in its wake, their length and lack of power leaving them at the mercy of the tide.

Towed it clear

Of the latest incident, Peter Knight, helmsman of Chiswick RNLI lifeboat, explained:

"We put a lifeboat crew member aboard the stricken vessel to set up a tow line then we towed it clear of the moored boat. The narrowboat was then secured at Dove Pier with assistance from a vessel from the Port of London Authority, Driftwood II.

"It appeared that the crew on the narrowboat were caught out by the strong incoming Spring tide sweeping round the outside of the bend and gusting winds which caused the high sided vessel to broach sideways into the moored houseboats."

It is sensible to check the strength of the Thames tide before venturing into the tideway, and avoid Spring tides, especially with a full length narrowboat, as was this one, and certainly when there are strong winds.  In these circumstances the steerer has little control when being swept through bridges.