Inconsiderate boater

WHILST cruising the Avon from Tewkesbury to Stratford upon Avon, we moored up at Bidford on Avon, writes Peter Ponting.

After securing both our bow and stern ropes,we heard the unmistakable noise of a generator coming from the boat moored in front of us. Oddly enough called Whisper.

Despite byelaw

This continued for about two hours, despite the Avon Navigation Trust Byelaw:

Engines to be silenced
14. Every engine used on or in conjunction with a vessel shall be efficiently silenced so that it produces no noise to the discomfort or annoyance of any person.

Shortly after, we noticed and smelt diesel. Looking at the flow of the river we could see a large diesel slick. I approached the owner, asking if he had spilt any diesel, to which he replied, "Yes, but I have sprayed the area with washing up liquid." The spillage continued for another half an hour.

Just as we thought he had settled for the evening, he started his boat engine...