Police search for missing canoeist who is feared drowned

Police search for missing canoeist who is feared drowned
Police search for missing canoeist who is feared drowned
Police search for missing canoeist who is feared drowned after he 'fell out of his boat' in River Thames just yards from exclusive neighbourhood near Reading Elderly man slipped from his canoe near the Caversham Bridge on Wednesday  His boat was found floating down the river but the man has not been located  Search and rescue efforts continued on the River Thames in Reading today

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Police are today searching for a missing canoeist who is feared drowned after he 'fell out of his boat' in the fast-flowing River Thames more than 24 hours ago. 

The elderly man, who has not been identified, slipped from his canoe on Wednesday and disappeared beneath the surface of the river in Caversham, Reading.

His boat was later found floating downstream, but the man has not yet been located.  

According to witnesses, the canoeist had set off from the nearby Reading Canoe Club at 11am yesterday before making his way to Caversham Bridge.

Passers-by then heard a 'loud splash' and reportedly spotted the empty boat, with nearby fishermen and members of the club later joining a search. 

Police are today searching for a missing canoeist who is feared drowned after he 'fell out of his boat' in the fast-flowing River Thames more than 24 hours ago. Pictured: The search today

Police are today searching for a missing canoeist who is feared drowned after he 'fell out of his boat' in the fast-flowing River Thames more than 24 hours ago. Pictured: The search today

Specialist divers are aiding Thames Valley Police in their efforts today, alongside Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue. 

A force spokesman said: 'Yesterday officers were called to a fear for welfare incident at the River Thames near Caversham Bridge. 

'A man entered the water but wasn't seen to leave.

'Searches are being carried out to locate him but he has not yet been found.'

Superintendent Nick John added: 'We are continuing to carry out searches for the man today. Alongside officers and a diving team, Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue are assisting with these searches.

'There will be an increased police presence in

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