The crew of Teddington RNLI was called out in the early hours of this morning to multiple sinking vessels in the Thames at Richmond.
The crew arrived on scene within minutes to find The Boat Restaurant, and several other vessels moored at the pontoon near Richmond Bridge, were rapidly taking on water and were sinking.
At this point, Teddington volunteer helmsman Andrew Bell and his crew were the only people on scene.
They proceeded to search the surrounding area for any possible casualties and returned to the sinking restaurant once the all clear was given.
The pontoon had failed and any vessel moored with decent rope was quickly being dragged under.
As the tide rose, the stern of The Boat restaurant became fully submerged.
The Boat at Richmond Bridge is one of only 11 remaining barges of its kind.
Previously owned by Jesus College, Oxford, the barge was built to use for river processions on the Thames in the 15th century.
It is now owned by four friends, who have transformed their barge into a British restaurant.
James Kavanagh from the RNLI says it was a tricky situation.
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Lucy Mayer
Lucy is the News and Travel Editor. Find out more about her on the Presenters page.
Luke Williams
Luke spends his free time playing synthesisers and watching old sitcoms. Journalism helps remind him of the 21st century.
Chloe Norman
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Sandra Aggrey
Sandra wants to travel the world in 60 days.
Alex Loveridge
Alex loves watching tennis at Surbiton and Wimbledon and also plays a bit too. He swims at Richmond, but not in the Thames.
Mike Oban
Mike enjoys playing and watching sports and is a budding football coach.
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David Walker
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Paul Francis
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Nick Ellerby
Back in the UK after six years in Brazil, Nick is missing the sun. He's a big fan of cricket, stand-up comedy and all things radio.
Katie Waple
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