Chiswick RNLI are today continuing their search for a school rowing coach believed to have fallen into the River Thames near Putney Embankment.
The man, named locally as Michael Hill, a coach at Latymer Upper School, is thought to have fallen from a rowing boat at around 7.20pm on Monday.
A statement released this morning revealed that Chiswick RNLI launched their lifeboats at 6pm and 9pm last night searching for around 90 minutes.
They said: “We will continue to search again at regular intervals and continue to support the rowing community however possible at this difficult time.”
Mr Hill has coached at Thames Rowing Club and coaches the women’s squad Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith.
Along with the RNLI, Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade boats have also been involved in the search.
An investigation led by the Port of London Authority has been launched in cooperation with British Rowing and the Thames Regional Rowing Council.
A pre-planned public meeting of the Port of London Authority took place last night where the accident was discussed.
Chiswick RNLI said: “Obviously given this incident the mood was very sombre and everyone present said their thoughts and prayers are with the family of the missing rowing coach.”
The search for Mr Hill is still ongoing with officials looking to make best use of both high and low tides.
Picture courtesy of Jim Linwood, with thanks
