Passengers escape boating incident

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However it was so close to Westminster Pier that they were able to step ashore, authorities said.

Initial reports had said no passengers had been involved.

The 288-tonne Millennium City, belonging to City Cruises, got into difficulties after holing its bow by apparently striking the bridge just before 10.30pm on Saturday.

Firefighters used specialist pumps to siphon water two metres deep out of the engine rooms. Pumping was completed and the engine room sealed successfully.

A company spokesman said: "Millennium City ... has been examined and will be sent for repair.

"None of the 35 passengers and crew were injured and there was no pollution of the river when the boat appeared to ground on an underwater obstruction about 50 yards from Westminster Pier at the end of an evening dinner cabaret cruise.

"The boat was travelling at less than 5 knots (5.6mph) at the time, in preparation for landing at Westminster Pier. All of the passengers were safely disembarked within minutes of the incident. We are of course investigating the incident and co-operating with the official inquiries."

The twin-hulled boat is 30 metres long and can seat up to 500 people with two bars and an open top deck, according to City Cruises' internet site.

City Cruises deploys five boats that generally sail between Westminster Pier and Greenwich Pier on sightseeing voyages.