Drunken sailors banned from royal river pageant

Paul Erlam13 April 2012

Port of London bosses have issued a "don't drink and drive" warning to the skippers of boats taking part in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

They say the event, which will see a 1,000-strong flotilla cruise along a seven-mile route on June 3, is complex and they do not want any alcohol-related accidents.

The Port of London Authority's chief executive Richard Everitt said: "We are not being killjoys but people on board the boats will need to be totally alert from the moment they set off.

"We are sending out a very strong message. Boats will be surrounded by hundreds of others in close proximity and there are 14 bridges to negotiate. It will require a high level of concentration so we are urging the person in charge of the boat and at least one other person on board not drink alcohol so their judgment is not impaired." He added: "It is a joyous occasion and we want it to be a safe one too."

Two checks will be carried out by officials on about 200 vessels which will gather upstream between Hammersmith and Putney on the days prior to the pageant.

The first will be on the sea-worthiness of the boats. The second will ensure the boat has not been overloaded with passengers and that the captain has not been drinking.

On the day, more than 90 Port of London Authority staff will man 40 boats marshalling the event. An "escape lane" will be established on one side of the river patrolled by PLA and RNLI boats. Any vessels getting into difficulties or suffering from mechanical problems will be moved to the side of the river.

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