Boat full of tourists smashes into Westminster Bridge

Emergency services called out after City Cruisers vessel gets wedged under bridge

A pleasure boat full of tourists has crashed into Westminster Bridge on the River Thames.

Emergency services have been called out after the City Cruisers boat hit the underside of the central London bridge around 4pm on Saturday.

Witnesses claimed passengers were “screaming” as the vessel became wedged under the structure, and photos posted on social media showed the boat firmly stuck on the stretch of the river near the Houses of Parliament.

There were no injuries reported, but police said the bridge had been temporarily closed while crews attempt to dislodge the vessel.

“London Fire Brigade and the local authority are in attendance,” said Metropolitan Police. “No injuries ... This incident is not terror related.”

Video taken from pedestrians on the bridge showed a boat named Millennium of Peace still wedged underneath almost 30 minutes after the collision.

Witness Gabby Moran, filming from the pavement, tweeted: “Just witnessed the top of this ferry get crushed and now stuck.

“Westminster Bridge, crazy seeing the people scream and getting stuck under the bridge.”

Photographer Mark Slater said “you could hear people crying and screaming” after the boat hit the bridge “with a force”.

A spokesperson for Westminster City Council said: “The council is liaising with the emergency services after a boat collided with Westminster Bridge this afternoon. Our staff are on hand to provide assistance.”

City Cruises offers sightseeing tours and dining cruises along the River Thames. The company is yet to comment on Saturday’s crash.