Yesterday’s demonstration of military versatility on the River Thames yesterday suffered an embarrassing hiccup when a hovercraft crashed into Blackfriars Bridge.
The Royal Marine Commando LCAC hovercraft was taking part in a number of displays as part of a capability demonstration by HMS Bulwark, currently moored at Greenwich.
The amphibious vehicle, used by 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines, had been been going up and down the river as part of its demonstration when it was involved in an incident which damaged the starboard skirt.
Mike Paternott, who works nearby and took these pictures, said it struck Blackfriars Bridge at about 2.40pm. Spectators from the Millennium Bridge watched as the damaged craft drifted onwards and was eventually towed away by two Marine fast boats.
An MOD spokesperson explained:
“The hovercraft had to slow down under the bridge and was set on to the bridge parapet by the tide. Minor damage was caused to the skirt of the hovercraft. Following the incident the hovercraft transferred its passengers to another Royal Marine boat so that they could complete their journey, and the Hovercraft returned to her base unassisted. No one was hurt during the incident.”
See more pictures at Mike Paternott’s Flickr account. All images remain copyright of Mike Paternott.