London Flooding: 50 People Led to Safety in Hackney as Canal Bursts its Banks

A party boat sank on the Thames, and 50 individuals were led to safety in Hackney after heavy rain battered London.

The London Fire Brigade reported being summoned to Hackney Wick on Thursday after a canal “burst its banks,” resulting in flooding across “around 10 acres.”

A spokesperson stated that firefighters conducted welfare checks on approximately 100 people who were able to remain in their homes, but 50 needed to be taken to safety.

A yellow weather warning for rain from the Met Office remained in effect until 03:00 GMT on Friday.

Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters responded to the flooding between Dace Road and Wick Lane.

Station Commander Dan Capon, present at the scene, remarked, “Firefighters worked through the night to ensure the area was secure and evacuated several people from surrounding buildings.”

In central London, only the mast of the floating bar and restaurant moored at Temple Pier was visible on Thursday night.

An RNLI lifeboat, a Metropolitan Police boat, and a London Fire Brigade vessel attended the scene. HM Coastguard later confirmed that everyone was safe.

A spokesperson for the boat owners, Bar & Co boat, indicated that the sinking was “likely due to weather conditions.”

The Port of London Authority has cautioned vessels to approach Temple Pier with “great caution.”