Boat Explosion on River Turns Vacation Walk into Urgent Rescue Mission
Quick-thinking tourists on the Thames prevented tragedy, saving six lives after a boat explosion in the U.K.
A couple’s quick-thinking and selfless actions are being hailed as a case of “heroic bravery” after they saved six people—including four children and an 18-month-old baby—when a boat exploded on the River Thames. Josh Hobbs, 35, and his wife Hannah Lloyd-Hobbs, 34, were out walking their dog while vacationing from Wales when they witnessed the devastating accident on Saturday, May 31.
The pair were reportedly just minutes into their stroll, less than 100 meters from the water, when a deafening blast ripped through the air. Hobbs described a pressure wave that hit his head with force, while his wife initially mistook the sound for a confetti cannon. Realizing something was seriously wrong, the couple rushed toward the riverbank and saw flames engulfing a nearby boat.
As the Hobbses approached the scene, they heard frantic screams for help. According to Hobbs, those on board shouted that they could not swim, prompting the couple to urge them to jump into the water as their only chance for survival. Moments later, some of the boat’s occupants leaped into the river, including a young child.
Without hesitation, Hannah Lloyd-Hobbs dove into the Thames to save the 18-month-old baby. She quickly got the child to safety on the riverbank, passing the infant to her husband before climbing out herself. Meanwhile, Hobbs, still holding their dog’s leash, called to the other passengers to abandon the burning vessel and get to shore.
He then plunged into the water to assist the remaining children, three of whom reportedly could not swim. “I remember grabbing two young children and getting them to the bank, then going back for more,” he recalled. At one point, Hobbs pulled a three-year-old from a relative’s grip and helped a struggling woman who was submerged beneath the surface. "At one point, I had four people hanging off me," he said.
The explosion was reportedly heard for miles, drawing a crowd of onlookers who lent their support in pulling victims from the water and administering first aid. Relief swept over the group only when emergency helicopter crews arrived at the chaotic scene. Ultimately, Wiltshire Police confirmed that a total of five adults and four children, aged between 18 months and seven years, entered the river during the rescue.
Nine people were taken to hospital, with three remaining in stable condition. Some suffered potentially life-changing injuries. Detective Superintendent Joe Garrity praised the couple, stating, “It is a miracle there were no fatalities … Much of that must be put down to the response of two vacationers from Wales who happened to be passing. With no thought for their own safety, they jumped into the Thames to help save the lives of those involved.”
In the aftermath, Hobbs shared that the couple has kept in touch with police to monitor the condition of those they rescued. Reflecting on their ordeal, he said, "In the heat of the moment, we just did what we did." Lloyd-Hobbs echoed his sentiments, adding, "We hope the families are doing OK and wish them a speedy recovery."
