A River Thames ferry company which carries thousands of tourists and locals from Westminster Pier to Kew Gardens and Hampton Court has issued its own urgent Mayday call today as it fights against financial disaster because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The long-running family company, Colliers Launches, owned by John and Danny Collier played a key role in the D-Day operation when one of its fleet, Princess Freda joined the 'little ships' rescue of British troops from the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940.

The company's four boats, Princess Freda, Queen Elizabeth, Connaught and Clifton Castle would expect to carry over 60.000 passengers each year and estimate to have lost between 7000-12000 customers during April – the warmest April on record.

At its capacity boats will carry up to 200 passengers at a time.

Danny Collier, who runs this business with his brother John told Teddington Nub News:" I can see us having no season at all at this rate."

The company has issued its own emergency Mayday stating: "River Thames family business sinking – please help keep us afloat. We are seeking financial assistance. No sailings, overheads mounting. We fall between government financial safety net."

Danny and his brother John are company directors and have dramatically reduced their monthly income but do not qualify for government support because they pay no rates. They have asked the Crown Estate and Port of London Authority for deferment of payments and urged their local MP to intervene.

He said: "Unfortunately, we fall through the net. It's all about eligibility and we are not eligible for any of the government grants which have been made available because we do not pay rates.

"We are a very seasonal business with most of our fleet busy between March and October and with the weather having been so warm recently we could have expected a really busy April.

"Our ability to earn any income has been eliminated and we have no idea if it will change within our season's period."

The brothers, who took over the business from their father, say it is 'impossible' to operate within any 'social distancing' guidelines because gangways are only 3 feet wide.

Big queues also gather at ticket booths and passenger numbers would be so reduced as to make it uneconomical to operate at all.

The brothers estimate they need to raise at least £25.000 to continue operating on the River Thames. So far their appeal has raised £4950

Their website states:

Sending Out An SOS

Colliers Launches, a small family owned boat hire company, running since 1975, operates a seasonal service contributing to London's tourist industry.

Colliers Launches ferries thousands of passengers during the summer months between Westminster, Kew Gardens, Richmond and Hampton Court Palace.

Our vessel, Princess Freda, is a war time hero contributing to Churchill's call to evacuate stranded soldiers off the beaches of Dunkirk. Many people enjoy the nostalgia of taking a relaxing trip on this historic boat.

We have also contributed to many happy memories of our customers including weddings, engagement parties, birthdays and work events.

In The Same Boat

Like many small businesses across the UK we are financially struggling due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with our income streams depleting before our season even started.

We unfortunately closed due to the social distancing restrictions.

Close To Sinking

Thankfully, all our staff have been put into the furlough scheme while we try to keep our heads above water.

However, access to funding intended to support businesses like ours has been difficult.

We are now at a financial crunching point, being unable to access financial help, such as grants, insurance and loans.

Help To Keep Afloat

Please help us to raise the vital money required to stay afloat.

We need to raise a minimum of £25,000 to pay our overheads, such as licenses, tax and mooring rents.

So here it is, a big ask, but please support us if you can.

Being tied up for good should not be an option.

We hope to be out on the River Thames with you again.

Thank you for your support. Stay safe.

Giving Back To Our Supporters

It's not all take and we would like to recognise your generosity by giving back.

As a thank you, we will randomly select a supporter to enjoy a private boat party for up to 50 people on a round cruise from Richmond upon Thames to Hampton Court.

Visit Colliers Launches website

How to help Colliers launches stay afloat