RNLI Lifeboat Teams Up with DJ to Rescue Dog from Thames
Crew called to assist Capital Radio's Jordan North in Fulham
Jordan being helped off the pontoon after the dog was rescued. Picture: RNLI/David Clarke
December 17, 2024
Capital Radio’s breakfast show host and runner up in I’m a Celebrity, Jordan North, needed the help of the RNLI Chiswick Lifeboat crew this Monday (16 December) to save a dog at risk of drowning in the Thames.
Jordan had been taking an evening run by the river at around 5:05pm and was approaching Hammersmith Bridge from the Fulham side when he noticed a Labrador struggling in the water.
He climbed down onto a pontoon and then into the water to affect a rescue. A member of the public had meanwhile contacted the RNLI.
Fortunately, the lifeboat crew were on an exercise nearby and came to assist Jordan within three minutes.
They found Jordan sat on a nearby float lift with the dog on his lap, as members of the public held up phone torches to help the RNLI locate him.
Jordan said on Capital Breakfast, 'A big thank you and a massive shout out to RNLI Chiswick who came and rescued me because I was getting a bit panicky. I was getting a bit nervy as well because I thought my legs are going to go, I can't hold on much longer so they got there just in time.
'The real heroes here are the RNLI who came out and got me, put a blanket round me. They're the heroes.'
Thames Commander Gavin Simmons was part of the crew alongside Sid Blake, Tom Coe and Cameron Crawley.
He said, ‘We are on call to help all those who find themselves in difficulty on the water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, even our beloved pets!
‘While we’d always encourage people to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard instead of entering the water themselves, we’re happy that in this instance we were able to help Jordan and the dog safely back to dry land.’
The RNLI is currently running its annual Christmas fundraising appeal to acknowledge the crews who keep us save over the festive period. Father-of-two Gavin will be on shift overnight at Chiswick Lifeboat Station from December 23-27 to keep the local community safe.
On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period every year.
Chiswick Lifeboat will be moving toy improved facilities in Wandsworth in 2025. Fit out of the building in Riverside Quarter will start later in the new year. The new station will become operational before the end of 2025.
A bequest has funded the majority of the cost, funds are still needed for the final £300,000.
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