5 January 2011 Last updated at 09:30 ET

River Thames underwater search for lecturer called off

Cambridge University lecturer Dr Rex Walford is still missing

An underwater search for a former university lecturer feared dead after a boat carrying six people capsized on the River Thames has been called off.

University of Cambridge lecturer Dr Rex Walford, who is in his 70s, has been missing since the vessel overturned near Shepperton in Surrey on Sunday.

The body of his friend Keith Lowde, 66, was found by police frogmen on Monday.

Police said divers had been unable to find the missing man despite a thorough search.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service crews will continue to search the river.

'Tragic accident'

Dr Walford and Mr Lowde were among three couples being taken across the river at about 1930 GMT from a party on Pharaoh's Island.

The other passengers, three women and one man, made it to shore with minor injuries.

On Tuesday, Mr Lowde's family said the "tragic accident had left a massive hole" in all their lives.

He was business tutor at the Guildford-based Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM).

Divers from Sussex Police have also helped search the river.