RNLI

A multi-agency response followed involving coastguard rescue teams and helicopter, police, fire and ambulance services, air ambulance and RNLI.

The Met also said if people did find themselves in difficulty, they should follow the RNLI's Float to Live steps:

George Pickford, the RNLI's head of region, said: "We recognise their courage and dedication as they spent hours out at sea, facing challenging conditions."

The incident also prompted a search operation in the Thames involving the Coastguard, RNLI, London Fire Brigade drones and a Metropolitan Police boat team.

The search operation has involved the Coastguard, RNLI, London Fire Brigade drones and a Metropolitan Police boat team.