EXCLUSIVE: Canoeists were capsized by Uber clipper which destroyed their £2,500 boat just a mile from finishing line during international race along the River Thames
- The Port of London Authority have launched an investigation into the incident
A pair of canoeists who had paddled the length of the river Thames as part of an international race got to within a mile of the finishing line when a giant Uber passenger boat capsized them.
Michael Stephens and Martin Smith were in sight of Big Ben after paddling 125 miles when the Thames Clipper passed very close to them and created a huge wave in its wake – smashing their kayak in two.
The pair were thrown into the water between Chelsea and Vauxhall bridges and had to battle a strong current before they could be plucked to safety – and then had to walk to the finish line of the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race carrying the broken halves of their £2500 boat.
Martin, 56, an electrician from Bath told MailOnline: ‘I thought I was going to die.’
He went on: ‘We were hit by a huge wave from behind. We were barrelled over in an instant, turned upside and left fighting for survival.
(Left to right) Martin Smith and Michael Stephens were in sight of Big Ben when the Thames Clipper passed very close to them and created a huge wave in its wake – smashing their kayak in two
The pair of canoeists had paddled the length of the River Thames as part of an international race
‘We then crashed into a static river barge. The boat was broken into pieces and I was pinned against the face of the barge. I couldn’t get my head above water.
‘I was being sucked down. I knew that this could be it for me.
‘I was completely disorientated and I thought I was going to die.
‘The brown water was rumbling and churning. The noise was deafening.
‘It was like being in a washing machine.
‘I gave it one last attempt to get free and I pulled against my broken kayak that was over my head and I finally got free.’
River users, including the Thames Clipper, had been advised that canoeists would be on the river up to Westminster bridge on the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. And the notice urged motor boats to ‘keep wash to a minimum’.
Recalling the horrific event on Easter Sunday, 9th April, Michael, 52, an events organiser, from said: ‘We were nearly at the end of the race. We had completed 124 miles and we had just three bridges left to pass under. We could see the London Eye. We had been paddling for almost 22 hours non-stop and all was in good order.
‘But then a Thames Clipper UBER boat came from behind us at speed, powering so close to our tiny kayak it capsized us with a series of massive rolling waves.
‘We were turned out of the boat into the middle of the river Thames and drifted in the fast out-going tide.
The canoeists had to walk to the finish line carrying the broken halves of their £2500 boat
The pair are seeking £2,900 from Thames Clipper owners Uber Boat for the loss of their kayak and equipment – left to right Michael Stephens and Martin Smith
‘Martin got trapped against a static river container barge and was sucked under.
‘The boat snapped immediately in two.
‘Martin struggled to free himself before he would drown.
‘He became free just in time and floated to the middle of the river.
‘We were finally picked up by a safety boat and taken to the shore.
‘Martin was in a state of shock and was suffering hypothermia.
‘We received medical assistance at the race finish line.’
The pair are seeking £2,900 from Thames Clipper owners Uber Boat for the loss of their kayak and equipment.
The Port of London Authority have launched an investigation into the incident.
River users, including Uber, had been advised to be careful because of canoes and kayaks on the water.
The notice added: ‘Motor vessels in the area are to be aware of the race and are to navigate with caution, keeping wash to a minimum.’
The longest non-stop canoe event in the world the annual ‘Devize to Westminster’ race attracts competitors from around the world.
In 2017 TV presenter Steve Backshall and his Olympic rowing champion wife Helen Glover completed the race.
Uber Boat did not respond to request for comment.
Source: Read Full Article
