A BOATER, concerned about the safety of the swans and ducks on the Cam in Cambridge, moored his boat across the river holding up the Christmas boat race for over an hour.
Blocking the river with his boat, the man shouted that he was protecting the swans and ducks from the oars of the boats in the race, Alan Tilbury tells us.
'Protects' them
It seems he puts bird seed down to attract the swans and ducks beforehand to get the birds onto the river, where he can then 'protect' them, claiming that the boats would smash into the birds. (Picture by James Linsell.)
The race was scheduled to start at 10am, but as the man's boat was moored in mid-river it could not proceed, so eventually the police were called, the boat moved out of the way and the man arrested. This was not the first time he had caused disruption.
The Christmas Head Race is an annual event where people take part in festive fancy dress.