Brave Couple Saves Lives After Boat Explosion on Thames
A courageous couple jumped into the Thames to save six people—four children and two adults—when a boat erupted in flames. Josh Hobbs, 35, and his wife, Hannah Lloyd Hobbs, 34, were just a short walk from the river during their vacation when they witnessed the explosion on Saturday, May 31.
They described the moment as being “in the right place at the right time.” Hobbs recounted the experience, noting that they were only about 100 meters from the river when they heard an “almighty bang,” which he said felt like a jolt to his head.
Initially, Hannah thought it might be a confetti cannon, but Josh suspected a gas barbecue had caused the blast. The couple immediately heard frantic screams from the boat and rushed toward the scene.
“They were screaming, saying they couldn’t swim,” Hobbs recalled. “We tried to reassure them that jumping into the river would likely be a better option.”
Despite the chaos, some people from the boat jumped into the water. Hobbs quickly dived in and rescued an 18-month-old baby, while Hannah threw the child to him. He held onto his dog’s leash while calling out for others to get off the burning vessel.
“I remember grabbing two young kids and helping them to safety,” he said. “I even ended up with four people clinging to me at one point.”
“I think her husband panicked and grabbed me,” he added, describing how he had to pull a woman struggling underwater to safety.
The explosion, heard for miles, drew a crowd that assisted in pulling everyone out of the water and providing first aid. Reports indicate that nine people were hospitalized due to the incident, with three in stable condition, yet some might face life-altering injuries.
According to Detective Principal Joe Garity of Wiltshire Police, it was a miracle there were no fatalities. He credited the quick actions of the couple, stating, “A lot of this can be attributed to their responses.”
Hobbs mentioned that they want to follow up on the rescued individuals, reflecting on how instinct kicked in during that moment. “We just acted,” he said.
Hannah expressed her hopes for a speedy recovery for all those involved, emphasizing their current concerns for everyone’s well-being.
