LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
Radio DJ Jordan North Rescued from River Thames After Attempt to Save Drowning Dog
The Quick Response by the Chiswick RNLI Highlights Lifesaving Actions Amid Increasing Thames River Incidents
17 December 2024 · 22:39 UTC
The broadcaster, 34, known for his lively presence on air, displayed quick reflexes during his evening run when he spotted a Labrador struggling against the notorious currents of the Thames near Hammersmith Bridge.
As twilight descended at 5pm, North made a spontaneous decision to step off a pontoon to assist the beleaguered canine.
The act of bravery did not go unnoticed.
A passerby, observing the perilous scene, promptly alerted authorities, instigating a swift response by the Chiswick RNLI lifeboat crew who were fortuitously out on an exercise nearby.
Merely three minutes later, the rescue team skillfully navigated to the scene, guided by the glow of phone torches wielded by nearby civilians who sought to assist the DJ and his newfound four-legged companion.
Both North and the dog were returned to safety unharmed, yet the radio personality confessed the ordeal had left him shaken.
“I was getting a bit nervy as well because I thought my legs are going to go, I can't hold on much longer,” North recounted, expressing gratitude toward his rescuers live on his breakfast show, an expression of appreciation few can deliver with North's characteristic zeal.
'The real heroes here are the RNLI who came out and got me,' he declared, emphasizing the vital role of the lifeboat crew whom he described as armed with blankets and reassurance.
The incident unfolded against a backdrop of rising incidents on the River Thames, underlining the importance of prompt intervention by capable authorities.
As North recalled: 'I can't remember the names of the dog or the owner, and I walked home in wet clothes.' The resonant image of a high-profile response to a potential tragedy offers both a caution and a clarion call to the public, particularly as the festive season approaches.
RNLI officials, while thankful for the positive outcome of North's and the dog's plight, reiterated a vital advisory: individuals faced with similar situations should contact emergency services immediately and refrain from entering the water.
This reminder emphasizes the river's hidden dangers and the professionals best equipped to navigate them, shedding light on the nuanced balance of human bravery and the necessity for professional expertise.
Thames Commander Gavin Simmons, along with crew members Sid Blake, Tom Coe, and Cameron Crawley, are credited with orchestrating the successful rescue, a testament to their skills and readiness.
As the waters of the Thames continue to pose a persistent threat, their vigilance serves as a reassuring constant amid the turbulence of river life.