Lifeboats from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) power
along The River Thames under Tower Bridge during the launch of their
service in London January 2, 2002. Four new lifeboat stations on the
Thames have become operational today, providing a round the clock rapid
response service for Britain's capital. The RNLI was approached by the
Maritime and Coastguard Agency to provide a rescue service as a result
of the findings of the Thames Safety Inquiries into the collision
between the pleasure cruiser "The Marchioness" and the dredger "The
Bowbelle" which resulted in the loss of 51 lives in 1989.
REUTERS/Russell Boyce

RUS/PS