A Welsh couple has been hailed as heroes after their swift and brave intervention saved six people, including a baby, following a boat explosion on the River Thames. Josh Hobbs, 35, and Hannah Lloyd-Hobbs, 34, risked their own safety to rescue four children and two adults amid the chaos.
The couple from Rhayader, Powys, were on holiday near the Wiltshire-Oxfordshire border and enjoying a walk alongside the Thames near Lechlade on May 31 when disaster struck. Josh recalled hearing a powerful explosion just minutes into their walk, describing it as “an almighty bang” that immediately triggered the sound of terrified screams from the boat.
Upon reaching the burning vessel drifting in the river, the pair urged those onboard to jump into the water despite their fears, emphasizing that the river was the safer option. Many shouted back that they couldn’t swim, but Josh and Hannah’s calm reassurance convinced them to leap.
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Hannah quickly dove into the water to rescue an 18-month-old baby while Josh helped the others—three children and adult passengers—to the riverbank. At one point, Josh found himself treading water with four people clinging to him, including a woman who had been under the water and her panicked husband. Together with growing support from bystanders, the couple helped bring everyone safely to shore.
Emergency services, including ambulance teams and an air ambulance, arrived shortly after. In total, nine people were taken to hospital: five adults and four children, aged between 18 months and seven years. While three remain hospitalized in stable condition, two—including the baby—suffered potentially life-changing burns.
Wiltshire Police praised the couple’s “heroic bravery,” with Detective Superintendent Joe Garrity stating, “It is a miracle there were no fatalities, thanks largely to these two holidaymakers who risked everything to save lives.” A police cordon was lifted following inquiries into the incident.
The heroic actions of Josh and Hannah Hobbs exemplify extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of danger, turning what could have been a devastating tragedy into a remarkable story of hope and survival.