The gangway to the London tourist attraction HMS Belfast has collapsed into the Thames to the shock of visitors and ship workers.
Part of the scaffolding bridge fell into the water at the point at which it connected to the vessel, leaving 170 visitors, including 30 schoolchildren, stranded on-board the World War II warship.
Two men who were on the bridge at the time were taken to hospital with minor injuries. A third worker escaped unhurt.
Lifeboats were deployed from Tower Lifeboat Station to look along the river for further casualties. Small boats ferried those on board to shore.
HMS Belfast director Phil Reed said he was “flabbergasted” at the event. He told the Daily Mail:
“As far as we know, the brow, where it joins the ship, sheared off and fell into the water.
“The two contractors on the brow got the warning as things began to rattle and they ran off and sustained only minor injuries.”
The ship will be closed until further notice.