Oxford University Women's Rowing Crew Sinks In Thames Week Before Boat Race | HuffPost

Oxford Women's Rowing Boat Sinks In Thames Week Before Race

Lucy Sherriff— The Huffington Post UK

|

RNLI

Oxford University women's rowing crew had to be rescued by the RNLI after their boat sank on Thames, just a week before the boat race.

The eight and their cox found themselves in a pickle after their boat became victim to the choppy water during a training session.

The RNLI said: "Strong wind against tide had created the unsafe waters 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.

"While passing through Putney on exercise 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.

"The Oxford crew and their cox were boarded onto the Chiswick lifeboat and returned to Putney. The sunken eight was then recovered by three coach’s’ launches and safely returned to Oxford’s base ahead of the race next week."

Oxford is favourite to win the women's boat race, which takes place next week against Cambridge.

RNLI helmsman Ian Owen added: "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."

160th Boat Race

(01 of21)

Oxfrord pull away at Hammersmith Bridge. (credit:PA)

(02 of21)

Oxford pull away from Cambridge (left). (credit:PA)

(03 of21)

Cambridge team members sit dejected after losing during the BNY Mellon Boat Race on the River Thames, London. (credit:PA)

(04 of21)

Cambridge's Luke Juckett (centre) loses control of his ore during the BNY Mellon Boat Race against Oxford on the River Thames, London. (credit:PA)

(05 of21)

The Oxford crew after winning the BNY Mellon Boat Race on the River Thames, London. (credit:PA)

(06 of21)

Spectators line the north bank of the River Thames near The Old Ship at Chiswick, west London, to watch the BNY Mellon Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities. (credit:PA)

(07 of21)

Spectators line the north bank of the River Thames near The Old Ship at Chiswick, west London, to watch the BNY Mellon Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities. (credit:PA)

(08 of21)

A spectator sits at the foot of stairs leading down from the bank of the River Thames near The Old Ship at Chiswick, west London, to watch the BNY Mellon Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities. (credit:PA)

(09 of21)

Spectators line the north bank of the River Thames near The Old Ship at Chiswick, west London, to watch the BNY Mellon Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities. (credit:PA)

(10 of21)

The Cambridge crew clash ores together with the Oxford Crew (behind) during BNY Mellon Boat Race on the River Thames, London (credit:PA)

(11 of21)

Cambridge's crew sit dejected after the BNY Mellon Boat Race on the River Thames, London. (credit:PA)

(12 of21)

Cambridge look dejected following defeat in the BNY Mellon Boat Race on the River Thames, London. (credit:PA)

(13 of21)

Cambridge's Luke Juckett looks dejected following defeat in the BNY Mellon Boat Race on the River Thames, London. (credit:PA)

(14 of21)

The Oxford crew carry their boat out of the water (credit:PA)

(15 of21)

Cambridge look dejected as they huddle following defeat in the BNY Mellon Boat Race on the River Thames, London. (credit:PA)

(16 of21)

Oxford's cox Laurence Harvey (right) and Karl Hudspith in the water following victory in the BNY Mellon Boat Race on the River Thames, London. (credit:PA)

(17 of21)

Oxford Cox Laurence Harvey is thrown into the Thames by his crew after they won the BNY Mellon Boat Race against Cambridge on the River Thames, London. (credit:PA)

(18 of21)

Oxford's cox Laurence Harvey (in white) celebrates following victory in the BNY Mellon Boat Race on the River Thames, London. (credit:PA)

(19 of21)

Oxford Cox Laurence Harvey is thrown into the Thames by his crew after the BNY Mellon Boat Race on the River Thames, London (credit:PA)

(20 of21)

Oxford's crew celebrate winning the BNY Mellon Boat Race (credit:PA)

(21 of21)

Oxford lift the trophy following victory in the BNY Mellon Boat Race on the River Thames, London. (credit:PA)

Suggest a correction

|

What's Hot

Not Checking This WiFi Setting Is Like 'Leaving Your Front Door Open' To Hackers

People Are Just Realising Why We Call Them Uppercase And Lowercase Letters, And I Had No Idea

I Always Knew I Was Different. Still, I Was Shocked To Hear My Doctor Say These 4 Words To Me.

Here's Why You Should Never Throw The Liquid On Your Yoghurt Out