Boy caught in propeller of reversing boat

IT SEEMS that the Kennet & Avon Canal is having more than its fair of problems these days, with the latest that of a nine years old boy falling from a narrowboat and getting caught in the propeller.

He sustained serious leg injuries as the blades caught him as the steerer used the engine to reverse to the boy to get him out of the water after falling in, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Secluded section

This happened near Laywood Bridge (135) on a secluded section of the waterway, some distance from Devizes Marina, and it was a group of walkers who saw the incident and called the emergency services.

A paramedic soon arrived by car, who treated the boy's wounds and administered pain relief, calling an air ambulance to get him quickly to hospital.

Further treatment

The Great Western Air Ambulance had both a critical care paramedic and a doctor on board who were able to give further treatment at the scene before he was airlifted.

The boy received surgery at the hospital, and it was stated that he was recovering well.

The people were hirers, and of course did not realise the danger of the propeller, that should always be stopped when reversing towards anyone in the water, as it pulls water—and thus a person—towards the propeller. The thing to do is to throw the lifebelt that is carried towards the person, who could grab it, then be dragged by the attached line.