The Broads has its own 'Bermuda Triangle'!

THE NUMBER OF wrecks occurring on the Yare, one of the Broads' major rivers 'cannot be explained' officials state.

Six boats already have sunk in the Yare this year, Roger Fox reports.

With two 'disappearing' close to each other between Reedham and Berney Arms on the river.

Perplexed

This has left the Broads Authority (BA) officers perplexed about what is causing the growing number of sinkings in such a small area, with the many sinkings resulting in it being known as the Bermuda Triangle, notorious for the high number of aircraft and ships that have disappeared there—all too often under mysterious circumstances.

Rob Rogers, director of operations at the BA, told:

"Whilst we have started to pinpoint where they are, we can't say why. Maybe it is because it is a large river and it is easier to hide them there. But it is a growing problem."

The discussion was sparked during a debate over proposals to introduce a boat amnesty scheme, which aims to get vessels in poor condition off the waterways before they sink, as the shipwrecks are creating a financial burden for the BA that could ultimately lead to increased toll fees next year.

Attempting to recover

A specialist dive team is currently attempting to recover two sunken vessels from a stretch of the Yare that will cost £72,000 to raise, and La Bergere, a 66ft houseboat, causing particular problems as it has a concrete-filled hull, making it extremely heavy to lift.

This boat is on the bottom of the river on its side, blocking part of the channel, and is starting to roll due to the force of the river's flow.

Four other wrecks in the Yare have been recovered by BA staff already this year, at a total cost of £4,200. The authority will attempt to recover the costs from the boat owners and insurance companies.