Master who created excessive wash prosecuted by the Port of London Authority

Today, at Thames Magistrates Court, Adam Khan, the master of the motor vessel Shamrock, pled guilty to offences relating to an incident on the River Thames on 6 October 2025.

While navigating on a flood tide near Mortlake / Quintin Boat Club, Mr Khan generated excessive wash and, as a result, a double scull located at the water’s edge was swamped, causing injury to two rowers.

Mr Khan accepted charges that he was navigating without due care and attention and in a manner liable to injure or endanger persons or vessels. He was fined £440 and ordered to pay a surcharge of £180 and costs of £250.

PLA Chief Harbour Master, James Stride, said:

“This incident resulted in people being injured and was avoidable. If you are in charge of a boat on the Thames, you have a responsibility to operate with due care and attention, taking account of other river users.

“The tidal Thames is a shared waterway, used by commercial operators, rowers, and recreational users alike. Excessive wash can present a serious risk, particularly to small craft and those close to the water’s edge.

“We will continue to take enforcement action where standards of navigation fall below those required, as we work to keep people safe on the river.”