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A dramatic rescue operation was launched to pluck two canoeists from the River Thames who ran into difficulties during a race on Easter Sunday.

The pair were swept towards Teddington lock at 6.30pm by strong currents while competing in the 60th annual Devizes to Westminster canoe race.

They were thrown from their boat and had to hang on to the booms to stop themselves from being washed down the weir.

One of the canoeists was pulled out by a race safety official and the other was rescued by two boats dispatched from Teddington RNLI lifeboat station.

After being rescued the man was transferred to hospital and treated for hypothermia.

It is understood he made a full recovery.

Lifeboat operations manager Malcolm Miatt said between 10 and 12 people were involved in the rescue, which took 24 minutes to complete.

He added: "There was a lot of water coming down over the weir, the weather didn't help the rescue. There was a snow storm as the man was getting into the ambulance."

Peter Hutchison, one of the race organisers, said it was referred to as the "canoeist's Everest" because of how tough it is.

He said: "The race is open to all, but people are expected to show they have put in the necessary training and demonstrate necessary experience."

A total of 303 boats started the international marathon course.

The winners of the senior doubles race, which spans two days, were Richard Hendron and Ollie Harding of Richmond Canoe Club who completed the 125 miles in 17 hours and 32 minutes.

12:16pm Friday 28th March 2008

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