OXFORD University Women's Boat Club have thanked the RNLI for rescuing them when they got into trouble on the Thames.

The team was training for the upcoming Oxford and Cambridge Women's Boat Race at Chiswick yesterday morning when strong winds flooded one of their boats.

Luckily, members of Chiswick RNLI happened to be passing through and were able to help.

Charity spokeswoman Joanna Dey said: "The crew of the Chiswick RNLI Lifeboat noticed some unusual manoeuvrings on the water just beyond Fulham railway bridge.

"A few moments later they noticed that an eight had swamped and the coaches were in the process of removing athletes to a nearby barge.

"Strong wind against tide had created choppy conditions and three successive waves poured over the boats' riggers, creating an influx of water that could not be managed by the craft's bilge pump."

The Chiswick crew hauled the Oxford boaters and their cox on board and ferried them to dry land at Putney.

They sunken eight was then recovered and safely returned to the Oxford team's base.

RNLI helmsman Ian Owen said: "While we have rescued quite a number of rowers over the years, this is the first time I’ve been involved in helping such a prestigious team.

"The weather can be unpredictable on the Thames, and the Oxford University team dealt with the situation as safely and calmly as possible.

"We wish them all the best for their upcoming race."

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The women's squad tweeted yesterday afternoon: "Thanks to the @ChiswickRNLI for their help this morning! Glad to say all athletes well+ready to go #shouldhavebeenanaprilfools #darkblue".

Oxford Mail:

Oxford Mail:

  • RNLI images of the rescue, including members of the Oxford team safely onboard 

This year's Boat Race, which will see women's teams compete on the same day as men's for the first time, will be held on Saturday, April 11.