Another lock sinking

A NARROWBOAT sank in Batchworth Lock on the Grand Union Canal on Monday afternoon, when its tiller became caught on the lock gate, Roger Fox tells us.

The boater had opened the paddles to fill the lock then left his boat to visit the local cafe for food, but saw the boat's stern was not rising, dashed back, but instead of closing the paddles, attempted to release the tiller that had become caught, but it was firmly wedged.

Eventually sinking

As the lock filled the boat's bow went up with the water, but the stern being trapped, took on water, with the boat eventually sinking.

Fire crews and staff from Canal and River Trust attended but by then, nothing could be done to save the boat, except place floating booms to catch the diesel that had spilled into the water.