Party boat completely sinks in River Thames after horror Storm Henk rainstorms

05 January 2024 , 10:00

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The mast of the Bar & Co boat, which was moored at Temple Pier juts from the water after the London party boat sank in the River Thames (Image: PA)

A floating bar, restaurant and nightclub built onto a boat on the river Thames in London has sunk amid heavy rainfall during storm Henk.

A Royal National Lifeboat Institution vessel, a Metropolitan Police boat and a London Fire Brigade boat were sent to the scene, but nothing could be done to stop the vessel sinking.

Pictures show the large two-deck party boat submerged beneath the waves with only the mast visible above the waters of the Thames. The Bar &Co party boat was moored at Temple Pier on London’s Victoria Embankment near to Waterloo Bridge, where it sank yesterday (January 4) during heavy rain.

A spokesman for the Bar & Co boat, which was moored at Temple Pier, told the PA news agency: "Likely it sunk because of weather conditions." London has been battered by heavy rain as storm Henk has swept across parts of central and southern England over the past few days bringing flooding to many parts of the country.

The Bar&Co boat sank in stormy weather on Thursday night (Facebook)

An HM Coastguard spokesman said: "A restaurant vessel sank at Temple Pier in London on January 4. The alarm was raised at about 12.30pm and everyone is accounted for." The Port of London Authority has advised vessels to pass Temple Pier with "great caution".

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The Bar & Co boat had room for 125 people over two decks and is described on the company’s website as “a buzzing party hub” with unparalleled views of the new year’s fireworks. Tickets for the company’s New Year’s Eve party promise two fully stocked bars aboard the boat with tickets starting at £180 and going up to £220 for unlimited drinks.

Storm Henk led to the Met Office issuing a rare 'danger to life' amber alert for large parts of the UK. Images from the aftermath of the storm showed entire streets flooded and trees blocking major roads.

Everyone is believed to have safely left the boat before it sank. (Facebook)

In Hall Green, Birmingham, a passerby was praised as a hero as he dived into flood waters and smashed the window of a car being washed away, saving the life of its driver and a three-year-old. Hundreds of homes are also under water in Loughborough, Leicestershire are flooded thanks to the Grand Union Canal. One of the two severe flood warnings, bringing danger to life, was in place for the River Nene, in Northampton, at the Billing Aquadrome holiday park and nearby business parks. Holidaymakers and residents of a caravan park in Northampton were evacuated yesterday as Storm Henk raged and today, the mobile homes are surrounded by water. The other severe warning, which asks Brits to "act now" is along the River Ritec.

Ted Hennessey