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Businessman tells of boat fire drama
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| John Bond-Smith is recovering at home |
Well-known West Oxfordshire businessman John Bond-Smith lived up to his namesake by diving head-first from his blazing powerboat into the River Thames to escape 20ft high flames.
Mr Bond-Smith, 66, is recovering at home in Standlake with burns to his torso and arms after surviving yesterday's Bank Holiday drama on his 28ft long Seamaster powerboat.
The director of West Oxfordshire Motor Auctions described how he had moored his £15,000 boat close to The Ferryman Inn, Bablockhythe, near Cumnor, when he was suddenly surrounded by flames.
In a scene that would not have been out of place in a movie featuring 007, Mr Bond-Smith hurled an LPG canister into the river to prevent the boat from exploding before diving head-first into the water. He was hauled out of the water by passers-by.
Mr Bond-Smith was treated at hospital for burns to his arms and torso, but later discharged.
He said: "I was starting up the gas fridge and pushed the button, but nothing happened. I held the gas in again and then heard a 'woosh'.
"The next thing I knew flames were all over the place. I threw one of the gas canisters into the water and looked for the fire extinguisher - but everything was alight and I had no time to think.
"So I jumped head-first out of the boat into the water through the canvas. It was amazing, and lucky, the canvas was open.
"I swam out of the way of the flames and some kind people helped me out the water.
"I am lucky and so grateful for those people who put cold water on my burns - and I owe the fact I am not seriously burned to them."
He was helped by residents of Thameside Residential Caravan Park until an air ambulance flew in.
Four crews of firefighters spent more than half an hour tackling the flames, but could not save the craft from sinking.
Mr Bond-Smith added: "I really loved that boat and it had just come back from the mechanics. But I have no problem about getting back on the water again.
"I've been a racing driver for many years and you get used to things like this happening."
Mr Bond-Smith, who used to race sports cars and owns a fleet of rare classic cars, is currently a governor at Witney's Cokethorpe School.
The Environment Agency is carrying out tests to see if any pollutants escaped into the water.
6:59pm Tuesday 6th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Mr Ison, England on 7:17pm Tue 6 May 08
Stop the press-Martians on the loose in Oxfordshire!
He should name the next boat the Thunderchild 2.
Stop the press-Martians on the loose in Oxfordshire!
He should name the next boat the Thunderchild 2.
Posted by: alan page on 9:44pm Tue 6 May 08
His namesake? Is there a famous John Bond Smith I've missed out on then?
His namesake? Is there a famous John Bond Smith I've missed out on then?
Posted by: ohdear on 11:29pm Tue 6 May 08
hi alan, i think you are thinking of john smith. the famous but dead labour bloke, who died. i think he's dead.
hi alan, i think you are thinking of john smith. the famous but dead labour bloke, who died. i think he's dead.
Posted by: alan page on 11:20am Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]ohdear[/bold] wrote:
hi alan, i think you are thinking of john smith. the famous but dead labour bloke, who died. i think he's dead.[/quote] Oh, did he hurl himself headfirst out of burning vehicles then?
No wonder he died.
ohdear wrote:
hi alan, i think you are thinking of john smith. the famous but dead labour bloke, who died. i think he's dead.
Oh, did he hurl himself headfirst out of burning vehicles then?
No wonder he died.
Posted by: alan page on 11:24am Wed 7 May 08
Presumably he hurled himself into a giant teapot in order to live to his other namesake as well?
Presumably he hurled himself into a giant teapot in order to live to his other namesake as well?
Posted by: oxman, oxford on 2:38pm Wed 7 May 08
You've never heard of THE john Bond-Smith?????
He was James Bonds step-brother and second cousin 5 times removed to the late labour leader John Smith. He works as a lexicographer and is currently campaigning against the use a inappropriate English by provincial news reporters. It's a small world!!
You've never heard of THE john Bond-Smith?????
He was James Bonds step-brother and second cousin 5 times removed to the late labour leader John Smith. He works as a lexicographer and is currently campaigning against the use a inappropriate English by provincial news reporters. It's a small world!!
Posted by: oxman, oxford on 2:40pm Wed 7 May 08
Although, having seen what I just typed, if he's going to campaign against better English by *comments posters* then I think I'm first up against the wall!!!!!!!!!
Although, having seen what I just typed, if he's going to campaign against better English by *comments posters* then I think I'm first up against the wall!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mr Ison, England on 2:56pm Wed 7 May 08
You gotta wonder.
Posted by: alan page on 1:20am Thu 8 May 08
Clearly not a premium bond (smith) then.
Clearly not a premium bond (smith) then.
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