The London Assembly is launching an investigation into the response to a fire on board an amphibious vehicle cruising the river Thames on 29 September.

30 people had to evacuate a Dukw vehicle in response to the fire, fortunately none were seriously injured. The incident was attended by a London Fire Brigade boat, Metropolitan Police helicopter, two Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboats and other Thames passenger vessels.

The Assembly has established the Thames Passenger Boats Investigation Committee to examine:

• The response by emergency and other rescue services to the incident
• The operation of amphibious passenger vessels on the Thames; and
• The regulation of companies operating such craft commercially on the Thames.

The investigation will identify any lessons that can be learnt from the incident and make recommendations to the relevant authorities including the Mayor of London, London Resilience Forum, London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime.

Committee member Victoria Borwick AM, said: “Thankfully no one was seriously injured but that does not take away from the seriousness of this incident.

“We know too well how dangerous the Thames can be for passengers and crew and it is important that we conduct an independent review of the fire to ensure relevant lessons are learnt by all.

“The Thames is a great symbol of London and a fantastic tourist attraction, we must ensure it operates to the highest safety standards at all times.