If you don't tie it properly...

THE recent gale force winds have played havoc with poorly secured boats, especially on rivers, with two at Oxford coming loose and crashing into a bridge. (Picture EA.)

The Old Peculier hit Botley Bridge with such force when it broke away from its moorings on Monday on the fast running Thames that it sank, Roger Guiver tells us.

Obstruction

As it was causing an obstruction, the Environment Agency attempted to clear the narrowboat, but the strong stream caused problems with it expected that it would be successfully re-floated and removed today, Wednesday.

Pumps are being used to attempt to re-float the narrowboat, but if this fails, a spokesman for the Agency told that it is expected that a crane will have to be used.

Towed away

The other narrowboat that came to rest level with the bank after hitting the bridge has been towed away

There are many reports of boats, not properly secured, coming loose from their moorings all over the system, but rescued.