The annual swan census, or the “royal swan upping,” along a picturesque stretch of the Thames outside London is surely one of the oddest and oldest traditions in England.
HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England — The unsuspecting family was enjoying a peaceful outing on the river when the rowers set upon them.
“All up!” one of the men cried, prompting some furious oaring by his fellows to maneuver their boats into position. Implacably, they closed in around the bewildered family until there was no chance of escape.
One rower splashed into the water and grabbed the dad. Others nabbed mom and the five kids.