The perils of the flooded Thames

BOATERS moored on the Thames during the floods were advised to 'sit tight and wait' at their mooring and not to attempt to move.

So the Environment Agency advised on its red board situations, reports Janet Friend.

Can loose your home

On the Thames red boards are displayed at the time of high water and floods, showing that it is dangerous to attempt to take the boat out in these conditions, with one boater telling the BBC after a flood and remaining high water levels 'you can loose your asset and your home in a flash second'.

In such situations often the bank disappears under water and there is no way of getting off to obtain provisions or move to get fuel.

It means boaters are having to sit tight and hope for conditions to quickly improve.

Paul Pilfold told he had to be rescued from his boat by the fire service two weeks ago after the water level rose by 2ft overnight, with his boat drifting over the towpath by Goring Lock (pictured) near Reading, putting it at risk of becoming dragged down by tight ropes.

Then it was a long wait, waiting for the river conditions to go back into the yellow board allowing movement, but with caution.

Wade to get provisions

A pair were attempting to get on the Kennet & Avon Canal for their winter mooring but were stuck on the river as the floods came, so were left in a situation where they had to wade to get provisions.

But thet have been stuck on the Thames at Wallingford since 22nd September because of the red boards.

A lady boater realised the approaching conditions and tried to move her boat to its winter mooring in Hambleden, but the river went into flood with just two locks to go and she has been stuck in Wargrave.