A WOMAN was rescued by a lifeboat on its 2,000th mission after she fell off her boat into the middle of the river.
The stranded sailor fell into the Thames between Chiswick and Hammersmith from her tin fish boat, a small two man craft, on Thursday morning (February 23).
Chiswick RNLI crew said the reports they responded to suggested the boat’s engine was still running and the vessel was travelling in circles, raising fears it could injure the woman.
Constance Pidoux, said she was surprised to be at the heart of such special launch, adding: "From now on I will wear a kill cord so that if I ever fall from the boat again the engine will automatically cut out. Massive thanks to the crew for their prompt assistance. They were really friendly and helpful."
By the time the crew had reach Ms Pidoux she had swum safely to the shore.
Glen Monroe, Helmsman of Chiswick lifeboat, said: ‘We were obviously concerned at the initial reports that the boat was going around in circles, as that would’ve posed a real threat to the woman in the water. Our concern was that she might be struck by it, which could have injured her or knocked her unconscious.
"Fortunately, when we arrived on scene the boat had come to a stop, and the woman had swum to the shore. She was very well prepared, wearing appropriate clothing, boots, a buoyancy aid and a lifejacket, so she was more shocked than anything else.’
While another passing tin fish vessel collected her stranded boat, the lifeboat crew collected the woman and returned her safely to Latimer Rowing Club in Hammersmith.
It was the 2,000 rescue mission since the lifeboat station was established in January 2002.
It also coincides with the tenth anniversary of the four lifeboat stations on the tidal reaches of the River Thames.
