Man missing after tug capsizes on the Thames

A major search and rescue operation is underway to locate the third crew member of the Chieftain tug, which went down off Greenwich Pier in South London.

Two crew members were safely rescued but a third remains missing from the tug, which was towing the crane barge Skyline when it capsized. Both the tugboat and the barge are completely submerged, while a second tugboat also attached to the barge remains afloat.

The Port of London Authority have closed the River in the Greenwich area as the London coastguard, police, fire brigade and lifeboat crews work to locate the missing man. Several ambulances are on stand-by as a police helicopter circles the skies above.

A Port of London Authority spokesman said: “It is believed there were three crew members on the Chieftain. Two were safely recovered and were taken ashore. A major search-and-rescue operation is going on.”

Thames safety measures were tightened in the aftermath of the 1989 Marchioness riverboat sinking disaster in which 51 people died when their boat was in a collision with a dredger on the Thames near Southwark, south London.

Today’s sinking follows the death on the Thames last week of Ben Woollacott, 19, a crewman on the Woolwich Ferry.

He fell from the ferry and under its propeller while mooring ropes were being untied.

Paramedics treated the crewman when he was pulled from the Thames, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

He was the son of Stephen Woollacott, owner of a Thames riverboat company. Transport for London said today the Woolwich Ferry will be suspended on Monday as staff will be paying their respects at Mr Woollacott’s funeral.

Thames River Services and Crown River Cruises are also suspending services on Monday.