Police search for missing canoeist who is feared drowned after he ‘fell out of his boat’ in River Thames just yards from exclusive neighbourhood near Reading
- Elderly man slipped from his canoe near the Caversham Bridge on Wednesday
- His boat was found floating down the river but the man has not been located
- Search and rescue efforts continued on the River Thames in Reading today
Police are today searching for a missing canoeist who is feared drowned after he ‘fell out of his boat’ in the fast-flowing River Thames more than 24 hours ago.
The elderly man, who has not been identified, slipped from his canoe on Wednesday and disappeared beneath the surface of the river in Caversham, Reading.
His boat was later found floating downstream, but the man has not yet been located.
According to witnesses, the canoeist had set off from the nearby Reading Canoe Club at 11am yesterday before making his way to Caversham Bridge.
Passers-by then heard a ‘loud splash’ and reportedly spotted the empty boat, with nearby fishermen and members of the club later joining a search.
Police are today searching for a missing canoeist who is feared drowned after he ‘fell out of his boat’ in the fast-flowing River Thames more than 24 hours ago. Pictured: The search today
Specialist divers are aiding Thames Valley Police in their efforts today, alongside Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue.
A force spokesman said: ‘Yesterday officers were called to a fear for welfare incident at the River Thames near Caversham Bridge.
‘A man entered the water but wasn’t seen to leave.
‘Searches are being carried out to locate him but he has not yet been found.’
Superintendent Nick John added: ‘We are continuing to carry out searches for the man today. Alongside officers and a diving team, Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue are assisting with these searches.
‘There will be an increased police presence in the local area as we carry out this work.
‘If anyone has any information that they believe may be useful, you can get in touch by calling 101.’
The elderly man, who has not been identified, slipped from his canoe on Wednesday and disappeared beneath the surface of the river in Caversham, Reading
His boat was later found floating downstream, but the man has not yet been located
Witnesses in the upmarket neighbourhood reported spotting the canoe floating down the water moments after the alarm was sounded on Wednesday.
Houses close to the river in Caversham sell for up to £1.2million.
Fisherman Peter Godfrey said: ‘There was a man in a canoe who fell into the river. I found out when a man cycled down and asked if I had seen the man who had fallen in.
‘They were searching for him but it was not long before the emergency services got here. They were searching for him up and down the river for a long time. They were just going backwards and forwards for hours.
‘I never saw the man but I spotted the canoe drifting down river.’
Those on the banks of the nearby Warren reported seeing an air ambulance and police helicopter hovering about the water amid the frantic search yesterday.
According to witnesses, the canoeist had set off from the nearby Reading Canoe Club (above) at 11am yesterday before making his way to Caversham Bridge
Passers-by then heard a ‘loud splash’ and reportedly spotted the empty boat, with nearby fishermen and members of the club later joining a search
George Scott said: ‘It was just before 1pm that I saw the police boat was out on the water.
‘Apparently a member of the public had heard a loud splash and they had spotted the empty canoe and raised the alarm.
‘There were three fire engines and an incident commander from the fire service as well as police, ambulance, the air ambulance and then police helicopters.
‘They found the canoe but they could not find the man. The helicopter was hovering 50ft above the water looking for him. They were looking for a good while.
‘There were even three paramedics in the water as well as a boat from the fire service and police.’
It is understood the missing man is a member of the Reading Canoe Club.
The club yesterday closed and flew a flag at half mast.
A note on the gates said: ‘Due to an incident, activities from the club are cancelled today. We are thinking of all those affected by today’s events.’
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