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 . Crew members from the Chiswick RNLI station came to the assistance of the Oxford crew and their cox , who were training for the Boat Race which - along with the men 's race - takes place on Saturday , April 11 . After the rowers were returned safely to Putney , the sunken eight was recovered and returned to Oxford 's base . The Royal National Lifeboat Institution come to the assistance of the Oxford University Women 's team . The Oxford crew were training on the Thames for the Boat Race which takes place on Saturday , April 11 . The 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 ' . 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 . 'The weather can be unpredictable on the Thames , and the Oxford University team dealt with the situation as safely and calmly as possible . We wish them all the best for their upcoming race . ' Chiswick and Tower stations are the busiest in the country , and the RNLI has saved over 3,600 people since the service began in 2002 . The RNLI Alternative Boat Race fundraising event on April 10 takes place the day before the BNY Mellon Boat Race on the same famous stretch of river . For more information , please visit : RNLI.org/BoatRace .
The crew were training for the Boat Race which takes place on the day . The sunken eight was recovered and returned to Oxford 's base . The choppy conditions were caused by strong wind against the tide creating three successive waves that poured over the boat 's riggers .