Five sunk boats removed from the Avon at Bath

FIVE SUNK BOATS in the Avon at Bath have now been recovered and either taken or towed away.

These sunken boats, some of which have caused obstruction for years, have now been cleared away, Janet Friend reports.

Towed out of the city

Some were attached to salvage airbags and towed out of the city along the Avon. Two semi-submerged boats south of the railway bridge were a particular hazard.

One narrowboat can be seen in the photograph by Bath and North East Somerset Council being towed away after being raised from the river.

A cabinet member for neighbourhood services of the council, Cllr Tim Ball explained:

“These five boats have been an issue for some time and it’s fantastic that the removal operation has been completed. Thank you to residents and businesses in the area for your patience while the works were carried out and to Strate Marine Services and our Better Moorings team, who all worked tirelessly to achieve this positive outcome.

“The removals will ensure the safety of all river users and enhance everyone’s enjoyment of this iconic waterway, whilst reducing the levels of artificial waste in the river.

“We advise boat owners to safely moor at recognised and officially open mooring sites, monitor their moorings regularly throughout the winter season, ensure their boats are fit for the water and are fully insured inclusive of salvage.”

Pursue boat owners

The  North East Somerset Council told before the operation that it would cost £72,600 and that it would pursue the boat owners to recover the money.

They are advised to get in touch before storage costs make the bill even more expensive.