**Welsh Couple Praised for Lifesaving Rescue After Boat Explosion on Thames**
A couple from Wales have been celebrated for their swift and courageous actions after saving six people when a boat exploded on the River Thames. Josh Hobbs, 35, and his wife Hannah Lloyd-Hobbs, 34, were holidaying near Lechlade on the Wiltshire-Oxfordshire border when they found themselves at the centre of a major rescue operation, described by police as “heroic bravery”.
The couple, residents of Rhayader in Powys, had been enjoying a walk with their dog along the riverside on the afternoon of 31 May. What started as a peaceful outing was suddenly and violently disrupted by a tremendous blast that echoed across the area, followed by frantic cries for help. “It was an almighty bang—you could feel the air pressure change. At first, we thought it might have been a celebration or an accident with a gas barbecue, but then we heard the screaming, and we knew something was very wrong,” Josh recalled.
As they rushed towards the commotion, they saw a boat adrift and engulfed in fire. Those stranded onboard, including four young children and two adults, were panicking and explained that they could not swim. Acting without hesitation, the couple began urging them to abandon the blazing vessel. “We were both trying to reassure them to get into the river—it was the safer choice compared to staying on the boat,” Josh explained.
Hannah was the first to dive into the Thames, making straight for an 18-month-old baby in distress. With their dog’s lead tangled at his feet, Josh shouted for others to jump while Hannah managed to pull the infant to safety. As she reached the riverbank, she shouted for Josh to take the baby, anxious about leaving such a young child alone by the water.
Realising the urgency, Josh entered the water himself to assist the other children. He described how he grabbed two young ones and guided them to safety, before returning for more. At one point, a desperately struggling family member was holding a three-year-old child above the water, barely keeping them afloat. “The woman had been under for some time and was suffering, so I went straight for her. In the chaos, her husband also jumped on me, and suddenly I was trying to support them all, shouting for help,” Josh shared.
Onlookers drawn by the explosion’s noise soon arrived, wading in to help the couple guide the remainder of the group out of the river. Once emergency crews reached the scene—including air ambulance teams—Josh and Hannah felt a sense of relief, having done all they could for the stricken family.
Wiltshire Police have since confirmed that five adults and four children, aged from 18 months to seven years, were in the water as a result of the explosion. All nine were taken to hospital for treatment. As of the last update, three people remain hospitalised in stable condition, with two—including the youngest child—suffering potentially life-changing injuries.
Detective Superintendent Joe Garrity of Wiltshire Police commented on the incident: “It is a miracle there were no fatalities. The quick, selfless actions of these holidaymakers from Wales undoubtedly saved lives. Their behaviour was the very definition of heroic bravery.” He also thanked the first responders, RAF Fairford, and other emergency services for their rapid assistance.
The incident prompted a temporary cordon along the river to ensure safety and to allow investigators to determine the cause of the blast. With inquiries now complete, the cordon has been lifted, and authorities are appealing for any additional information from the public.
Reflecting on the harrowing events, Josh said that he and Hannah acted instinctively. “In the heat of the moment, you just do what needs to be done,” he said, modestly downplaying their role. Hannah offered heartfelt wishes for the injured, saying, “We hope the families recover well and know we’re thinking of them.”
This dramatic rescue is a powerful reminder of the courage and compassion that can emerge in the most unexpected circumstances, and the Welsh couple have been commended by officials and onlookers alike for their decisive intervention.