RNLI rescue man who was 'seconds from drowning' after swimming in the Thames during heatwave

RNLI members staged a dramatic rescue of a man who had become trapped under a wooden pier on the River Thames.



Footage shows how the lifeboat crew swiftly navigated their way through river traffic to reach the struggling man, found clinging to a post in the Shadwell Basin, east London.



Upon noticing that the man was just minutes from drowning, a brave crew member donned a dry suit and jumped into the water to free him.



The man, who appeared tired and frightened, was then hoisted into the boat and was quickly escorted to the Wapping Police Pier where an ambulance was waiting.