At 4.24am on 29 November, one of the two Teddington Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboats was called out to help resident narrowboat owners whose boat had come adrift near Hampton Court Palace.

The boat had been tied to a post which failed due to the very high river conditions and fast current, the boat had then become lodged on a pontoon under the water.

The Teddington inflatable D Class lifeboat, Peter Saw was ideal for the rescue as it does not have a keel and can cope with shallow water.

Teddington RNLI's skilled volunteer crew was able to assist in securing the narrowboat (Credit: Teddington RNLI)

While the RNLI lifeboat did not tow the narrowboat away from the pontoon, as no one was in any immediate danger, the skilled volunteer crew was able to assist in securing it and giving valuable advice on a local specialist as well as life jacket recommendations.

 Fiona, the narrowboat owner, said: "We're very grateful to the Teddington lifeboat RNLI crew.

"It's horrible when you feel like you are alone in a difficult situation, but we weren't because the RNLI were there for us that day.

"They kept us safe overnight. The three crew were lovely, very competent and professional, friendly and lent us lifejackets as we didn't have them on this boat.

"We've learnt a lot from the experience. You don't want your home to end up on the bottom of the river."

Jon Chapman, the RNLI helm (lead) crew member on the night added: "Our volunteer crews are highly trained in life-saving skills but also understand the dangers of the Thames and threats to the safety of boat users.

"A reminder that sometimes a more limited intervention may produce the best outcome. We were happy to be able to help this couple, their home and avoid any further possible concern."

View video footage of Teddington RNLI crew members in action here.