article_snippet.sent: The Oxford University Women's Boat Race team were rescued from the Thames by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) on Wednesday after being overcome by choppy waters.
article_snippet.sent: the Royal National Lifeboat Institution come to the assistance of the Oxford University Women's team .
article_snippet.sent: the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) revealed the conditions were caused by strong wind against the tide creating three successive waves that poured over the boat's riggers, 'creating an influx of water that could not be managed by the craft's bilge pump'.
article_snippet.sent: In a statement RNLI helmsman Ian Owen said: 'While we have rescued quite a number of rowers over the years, this is the first time I've been involved in helping such a prestigious team. '
article_snippet.sent: The weather can be unpredictable on the Thames, and such a prestigious team dealt with the situation as safely and calmly as possible.
article_snippet.sent: Chiswick and Tower stations are the busiest in the country, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has saved over 3,600 people since the service began in 2002.
highlights_snippet.sent: The choppy conditions were caused by strong wind against the tide creating three successive waves that poured over the boat's riggers .