More idiots on the Avon

ONCE again the emergency services had to risk their lives to rescue the crew of a narrowboat that had taken to the Avon in flood conditions with its boat stranded against a bridge.

All who have cruised the length of the Avon know of the limited arches on Eckington Bridge, but the crew failed to pass through the bridge yesterday (Tuesday) in the swollen fast flowing river, and their boat became trapped, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Rescued

The emergency services had to be called, and rescued the three people on board using a powered inflatable, but made no attempt to release the 60ft narrowboat, but instead roped it to the bridge

(The two photographs show other narrowboats that have come to grief on the Avon.)

It is understood the steerer attempted to turn away from the bridge at the last moment when seeing the way water was rushing through the arches, but the strong current took hold of the boat and smashed it against the bridge, it then becoming completely immovable.

No way of escaping

In addition to the fire crews, the West Midlands Search and Rescue crew were called to get the people off the boat, as they had no way of escaping.

Time and time again we have reported boats in difficulty on this river that is well known for how it quickly rises after rain, and yet boaters still risk it, and make no apology for calling them idiots...