PICTURED: Dramatic photos of Platt's Eyot fire rescue

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crew were called to assist fire services on the evening of Monday, May 3 after a massive blaze ripped through the boatyard.

Toby Banks liaising with the London Fire Brigade – Image Gianna Saccomani, Teddington RNLI

Although outside the service’s remit – operations usually end at Mosley Lock – volunteers responded to a direct request for help at around 6:15pm.  

Crews battled the rain to ensure boat owners attempting to retrieve their vessels were not at risk. 

Jon Chapman, Image: Jon Barker Teddington RNLI

Teddington RNLI Helm, Jon Chapman, said: “It was awful to see from the river the devastation caused to this historic site, but, as ever, the emergency service response was superb.

“In particular, the work of the Fire Service in adverse weather conditions and despite very difficult access to the area of the fire was admirable!”

The Teddington RNLI team worked alongside the London Fire Brigade and the London Metropolitan Police.

RNLI volunteer, Gianna Saccomani, paid tribute to the houseboat and boat owners on Platt’s Eyot.

“It was heartening to see houseboat and boat owners on the island helping each other out to move their vessels to safety. They also helped us to establish if anyone needed evacuating from any of the boats,” she said.

Teams at the boatyard, Image: David Mumford%

Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Matt Allchurch added:

“I’m very proud of our swift response and assistance given to Fire Service and the Police to minimise the damage and ensure that no lives or boats around the island and on the Thames were in danger.”

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a charity that saves lives at sea.

RNLI volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames.