The wife of a port worker fighting for his life after being crushed by a barge has told how the family is praying for him to pull through.

Natalie Russell was speaking after husband Michael was taken to hospital on Friday when he was struck by a barge at Denton Wharf in Gravesend.

She said: "Michael is currently critical but stable.

"We are taking one day at a time and constantly praying he will pull through.

"It's a tragic accident doing the job he loves.

"Please say thank you to all the medical staff that attended him onsite and to The Royal London trauma team for everything they are doing for him now and to the PLA for their ongoing support to us."

Police and ambulances were called to Denton Wharf at 4.50pm on Friday.

It is understood Michael Russell, known as Micky, was crushed by the barge and suffered life-threatening injuries.

The 37-year-old, who works for the Port of London Authority, is a member of the Gravesend Rowing Club.

He won the prestigious Doggett’s Coat and Badge in 1997 – the longest and oldest annual boat race on the Thames.

The Health and Safety Executive says it is aware of the incident and is making inquiries.

A spokesman for the Port of London Authority said: "There was an accident at the Denton Wharf Marine Services base of the Port of London Authority (PLA) just after 4pm on Friday.

"A PLA employee was seriously injured in the accident. The emergency services attended the scene and the employee was subsequently transferred to a London hospital where his condition has been described as critical but stable; he remains under their care.

"The circumstances of the accident are being investigated by the PLA; we have informed the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the Health and Safety Executive.

"The PLA is giving its full support to the family of the employee. Our thoughts remain with him and his family."