An investigation has been launched into the disappearance of a Hammersmith rowing coach who has been missing since his boat capsized in the River Thames on Monday night (February 2).

The man, who has been named locally as Michael Hill, is believed to coach pupils at Latymer Upper School, in Hammersmith, as well as members of the Thames Rowing Club, in Putney.

Latymer Upper School teachers and pupils said their thoughts were with the family and friends of Michael Hill, who is a much loved and respected member of the rowing coaching team.

Headteacher David Goodhew said it is the school's understanding that Michael became separated from his launch in an incident during a coaching session with Thames Rowing Club, in Putney, and an investigation led by the PLA (Port of London Authority) is ongoing.

Mr Goodhew added: “This is an extremely distressing time for all at the school – in particular Michael’s colleagues in the boat club and pupil crews who make up the close-knit rowing community at Latymer Upper School.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this terrible time.”

It is believed Mr Hill fell into the river from his coaching boat near Putney embankment at around 7.20pm.

The alarm was first raised when London Coastguard received reports that a small vessel was seen in the river bumping into moored vessels at Putney embankment.

A two-day search operation has been led by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and included boats from Chiswick RNLI, Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit, Port of London Authority, the London Fire Brigade, and a police helicopter.

'Extensive' search

A joint statement from PLA and British Rowing, released on Tuesday (February 3), said: "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.

"An investigation into the causes of the incident has begun.

"That investigation is being led by the Port of London Authority – in close cooperation with British Rowing and Thames Regional Rowing Council."

Chiswick RNLI lifeboat crew investigated the upturned boat but found it empty.

Wayne Bellamy, station manager at Chiswick RNLI lifeboat station, said: "The lifeboat crew launched at 7.30pm on Monday 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.

"After two-and-a-half hours last night we hadn’t found any persons.

‘We launched again yesterday morning at 9am to search the area in daylight, and at low water, but with nothing found we returned to the lifeboat station at 11am."

A police spokesman added: "Police are continuing their search for a person on The River Thames, near Putney Embankment, SW15.

"Police were alerted at 7:37pm on 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 but no one has been located."