Kenneth Dwan

Kenny Dwan belongs to a family that has worked on the River Thames for over 500 years involved in all aspects of the ship business, working on passenger cruisers, barges, and tugs. Dwan started rowing as a youngster and joined the Poplar Blackwall and District Rowing Club at the age of 12, and in 1968, when just 20, was runner-up in the Diamind Scull sat Henley. He then went to the Mexico Olympics shortly afterwards and reached the single sculls final.

The best single sculler in Britain in the 1960s and 70s, Dwan took part in the 1969 and 1971 European Championships, and 1970 Worlds. He won the coveted Wingfield Sculls five years in succession 1968-72, and again in 1975, but his finest moment was in winning the 1971 Doggett’s Coat and Badge. Dwan also won the single sculls gold medal at the inaugural British Rowing Championships at Nottingham in 1972. He retired shortly after his sixth Wingfield win.

Dwan started a long tradition of Doggett winners for the Dwan family, as his sons Nicholas and Robert won in 2002 and 2004 respectively, Kenny’s brother John won the race in 1977, and his son Merlin won in 2012. Kenny appeared at his second Olympics in 1972 and was runner-up in the Diamond Sculls at Henley for a second time in 1974.

One blemish on Dwan’s illustrious career as a competitive rower and Thames Waterman came in 1989 when the pleasure boat the Marchioness collided with a dredger and sank, claiming the lives of 51 people. Dwan was co-owner of Tidal Cruises (established 1973), the owners of the Marchioness. The firm was criticised for its part in the accident. In 2004 Dwan was insensitively appointed The Queen’s Bargemaster, and following an outcry from family members of deceased Marchioness victims he was forced to resign within 24 hours.

In 2020 Dwan came close to death after contracting COVID-19. He recovered and recalled his near-death experience on national daytime British television. Dwan and his wife Kate ran their own boatyard at Eel Pie Island, and island in the River Thames.