Forty Rescued after Chaos on the River

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Rough Weather disrupts Head of the River Race

The annual Head of the River race ended in chaos this Sunday after being hit by severe winds. Forty rowers needed to be rescued from the Thames by RNLI lifeboats based in Chiswick. They were assisted by the Metropolitan Police Marine Support Unit.

At least two people were taken to hospital with one reportedly suffering from hypothermia; others were treated at nearby rowing clubs on the Putney Embankment.

Over 140 boats were participating in the race, which runs between Chiswick and Putney, with nine crew in each one. The event is organised by the Vesta rowing club in Putney.

Eleven members of London Corinthian Sailing Club also had to be rescued at Chiswick after waves swamped their craft.

March 23, 2004