A large-scale emergency response is underway on the River Thames after a person reportedly jumped from Blackfriars Bridge with a malfunctioning parachute on Wednesday evening.

Emergency services were alerted at 6:40 p.m. to the the  incident near Waterloo Bridge, SE1, after reports that the individual entered the river but their parachute failed to deploy after jumping from the top of Blackfriars Bridge.

Multiple agencies including the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, RNLI, and London Ambulance Service responded. The area between Blackfriars Bridge and Waterloo Bridge remains a major focus for search and recovery operations, with boats, drones, and divers deployed in challenging river conditions.

Crowds Gather as Search Focuses on Westminster Bridge

Witnesses reported a dramatic scene as emergency vehicles and personnel gathered along the embankment, with Westminster Bridge also becoming a staging area for crews coordinating the response. Police have cordoned off sections of the riverbank as the public looks on.

A source at the scene for the London Fire Brigade confirmed:

“We’re supporting colleagues in an ongoing river incident following reports of a person entering the Thames with a parachute that did not deploy. Specialist crews are assisting with the search.”

No Confirmation on Victim’s Identity

As of this evening, the identity and condition of the person remain unknown. Authorities have not confirmed whether this was a planned stunt gone wrong, a suicide attempt, or another form of misadventure.

Police and rescue teams are now combing the Thames. Specialist units trained in urban search and rescue and river operations are on-site.

Appeal for Information

The Metropolitan Police are appealing for any witnesses who saw the individual jump or who may have footage of the incident to come forward by calling 101,

A spokesman for the Met Police said: Emergency services are currently responding to a concern for safety close to Blackfriars Bridge.  This follows reports of a man entering the water at around 18:31hrs on Thursday, 19 June.  Emergency services remain on scene.