Rower dies during race on the Thames

General view of the river Thames and Barnes Bridge — The rower is understood to have first needed medical attention near Barnes Bridge - Clara Molden for The Telegraph

A rower has died after competing in a veterans’ boat race on the River Thames.

The man was a member of a club which had travelled from Annecy in France to take part in the Vesta International Masters Head of the River Race.

Organisers confirmed the rower was competing in a “Masters E crew”, which refers to a team where the average age of the rowers is 55 years or more.

Officials have yet to provide confirmation of a suspected cause of death but he is understood to have first needed medical attention near Barnes Bridge. His crew-mates then abandoned the race to help transfer him to safety and begin first aid.

The race he was taking part in on the Thames was launched by the Vesta Rowing Club in 1982 after the men’s Head of the River Race stopped accepting veteran entries.

British Rowing said in a statement it was “deeply saddened to hear of a serious incident which occurred at Vesta International Masters Head of the River Race on Sunday, 23 March 2025”.

“We are working to support the organising committee whilst the incident is being investigated,” the governing body added. “Our sympathies are with the family, crew, and everyone involved.”

The Vesta Open Events Committee added: “It is with the deepest sadness that the Vesta Open Events Committee confirms that during the VIMHORR 2025 there was an incident in which a member of a Masters E crew required medical attention. The casualty was transferred to hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the crew member unfortunately passed away.

“The committee is doing everything they can to support members of the crew and others impacted by the incident. We ask that you respect the privacy of the crew at this time.

“We understand that this incident was distressing for participants, volunteers, and spectators.”

Rowing is known for the intense bursts of cardiovascular effort required by athletes. However, all safety precautions were said to have been followed during Sunday’s race.

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