Quick-Thinking Cop Dives Into Thames Rescue
A quick-thinking police officer has been hailed a hero after saving a distressed man from the icy River Thames near Kingston in the early hours of Thursday, 6 August.
Drama on Portsmouth Road
At 2.13am, officers were alerted to a man struggling to stay afloat near Portsmouth Road. With no specialist rescue crews nearby, the officers sprang into action.
The river water was freezing cold despite warm weather, and near-total darkness made the rescue even trickier. Attempts to calm the man from shore failed as he began drifting downstream.
Powerboating to the Rescue
PC Tom Martis-Jones, a qualified powerboat driver with years of experience on the Thames, accessed a powerboat stored at a nearby sailing club. Together with PC Mockett and PC Moore, they launched a daring river rescue.
“It was a high-risk situation which could have turned out very differently,” said PC Martis-Jones. “I’d urge anyone struggling in water to stay calm, lean back, and float until help arrives.”
Heroism Praised as Man Makes Full Recovery
The rescued man received urgent treatment from London Ambulance Service paramedics and has made a full recovery.
Chief Superintendent Sally Benatar applauded the officers, saying: “I’m so proud of the officers who responded. Their quick thinking likely saved a life.”
