ELEVEN revellers were plunged into the River Ouse in York early today after the boat they were on capsized.

The people, which including six from York and one from Tadcaster, were thought to have been enjoying a night out when they decided to board a dinghy moored at King's Staith, near The Lowther pub.

A fire service spokesman said they were called following a report that "intoxicated people were in the river".

No one required hospital treatment after their icy dip in the Ouse. But fire and police chiefs today issued a stark warning to future revellers, saying the consequences could have been tragic.

York Fire Station manager Joe Calpin, who attended the scene, said today: "It could have been much, much worse. We were pretty close to a tragedy. It's quite frightening when you think what could have happened.

"At any time of day, the river is a dangerous place, particularly in the dark."

A guest staying at the Queen's Hotel, in Skeldergate was woken up by a huge commotion on the river at about 2am.

He described seeing the night-time pranksters climbing down on to a dinghy, which police said belonged to someone in the party. The dinghy then circled a few times, before it sank.

Most of the group managed to swim ashore by the time emergency crews arrived, but police officers pulled some of the swimmers to safety.

Fire crews issued the shivering people, which included one 22-year-old, with foil survival blankets, before they made their way home.

Firefighters patrolled the scene by boat for about two hours after the incident, checking that no casualties were still in the water.

Inspector Val Broadley, of North Yorkshire Police, stressed the warning that York's fast-flowing main river should be treated with caution. "I'd like to reiterate the dangers of accessing deep water at any time of day, particularly because of the shock factor," she said. "It looks as if this has been an unfortunate accident."

British Waterways staff today joined fire crews in beginning the operation to salvage the sunken craft, which was left with just the tip visible above the water.

Police divers were also due to visit the scene at about lunchtime today.

Updated: 12:48 Thursday, July 28, 2005