30 rescued as boat burns on River Thames

Thirty people were rescued earlier yesterday when a tourist vessel on the River Thames caught fire close to the Houses of Parliament.
Many people jumped into the river from the London Duck Tours craft.
All passengers and crew were rescued by the emergency services and a passing tourist boat.
Those rescued were mainly “wet and cold”, said ambulance officials. Some people had suffered the effects of inhaling smoke.
Three people were taken to hospital “as a precaution” said an ambulance service spokeswoman.
Those on board are believed to have included visitors from the UK, Brazil, Russia, Australia and Sweden.
About “five or six” young children were believed to be among the passengers.