Tour boat capsizes in Bath weir

An eyewitness said the boat was going down fast

A pleasure boat containing nine tourists and a skipper has capsized in Bath near Pulteney Weir.

The passengers managed to half-right the boat but were unable to get to shore. A passing narrowboat and the fire brigade helped rescue the others.

An eyewitness said it seemed like the boat was filling with water and going down fast.

"The emergency services got to the scene quite quickly. There were people in the boat but not in the river."

An Avon Fire Brigade spokesman said passengers on the open-decked boat ranged from an 11-year-old girl to a woman in her 60s, and also a pregnant lady.

One of the passengers was thought to be American.

All nine passengers were treated by the side of the river for the effects of the cold and then taken to the Royal United Hospital in Bath in three ambulances for checks.

The tourist boat was secured at the riverside after being towed away from the weir.