Thames Search Continues for Upper Latymer Rowing Coach

---

Michael Hill believed to have fallen overboard on Monday evening

Putney Police say they are continuing to work with their colleagues in the River Police in a search for Latymer Upper School rowing coach Michael Hill.

Mr Hill is believed to have fallen overboard in the Thames Michael Hill during the evening of February 2, near Putney Embankment.

The police were contacted around 7.30pm about a person in difficulty in the river. An initial search was fruitless and efforts continued throughout today. Chiswick RNLI lifeboat crew have found an empty upturned boat.

A police spokesman said: " Police are continuing their search for a person in the River Thames near Putney Embankment.

" Police were alerted at 7.37pm yesterday, February 2, to reports from a member of the public that a person was in difficulties in the river.

" A full search has been conducted by officers assisted by the marine support unit but at this stage no-one has been located."

Michael Hill is a member of the London Rowing Club as well as coaching rowing at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith.

Police said next of kin have been informed.

Wayne Bellamy, station manager at Chiswick RNLI lifeboat station, said: " The lifeboat crew launched at 7.30pm yesterday and, along with the police boat and helicopter, fire boat, and other rowing coach vessels, took part in an extensive search of the River Thames."

A spokesman from the Port of London Authority said an investigation has been launched into the causes of the incident. He added: "The search of the Thames up and downstream of Putney is continuing but we regret that he remains missing this afternoon.

" Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected."

 

February 3, 2015