Night rescue on the Trent

A NARROWBOAT had to be rescued over the weekend from the swollen tidal Trent after becoming grounded in the dark.

The boat was attempting to reach Newark from Torksey on the  flooding river  before dark, but the crew found itself grounded, and all attempts failed to free it.

Tide had turned

The problem was that the tide had turned and with the water dropping it was then they realised it was wedged on an underwater wall, which had been covered by the swollen river, and the crew realising the predicament called the emergency services.

However, with no near road access, the fire service  personnel had to get to the location on foot, but as they could not rescue the boat, they managed to get the crew off, then called British Waterways, but it too was unable to do anything, but suggested a service.

Working in the dark

Even though it meant working in the dark the three men, using guide ropes, to prevent the boat twisting or rolling over, managed to get the boat off the obstruction.

It was taken to the floating pontoon at Durham Bridge, with the crew who were being cared for by St John Ambulance united with their boat.

Stupidity

Once again it emphasises the stupidity of boating on rivers in flood conditions, especially on tidal rivers, with their myriad of underwater obstructions.  These boaters have caused a great deal of trouble and expense by their dangerous action.