THOUGH THE BOAT EXPLOSION occurred in August and was reported in early September, we thought this of interest so have included now.
A narrowboat that recently sunk in Kelston Lock on the Bristol Avon navigation after suffering an explosion, was recovered by River Canal Rescue on Friday 5th September.
Happy to share
The owners wish to remain anonymous, but they are happy to share this account of what happened:
On Monday, 25th August 2025, two co-owners of a narrowboat collected it from its mooring on Mill Island at 11:30am and set off across the Avon towards Kelston Lock, heading for Bath.
One co-owner was at the helm, the other co-owner, with a friend, acted as crew.
When arriving at the lock 10 minutes later, the crew disembarked to open the lock gates and the boat steered through. The rope was secured around the capstan and the co-owner was standing by the cabin door to receive the rope.
An explosion heard
At 11:50, an explosion was heard from the engine area. The crew alerted the person left on the boat that flames were coming from the folded canopy at the stern. The co-owner turned around and tried to grab the fire extinguisher, but she was advised to get out immediately for fear of further explosion.
Having climbed onto the roof of the boat, the crew hauled the person up onto the lock side. Realising a dog was still in the cabin, one of the crew jumped down onto the roof of the boat and went into the cabin through the door, and retrieved the dog.
At 11:58, the boat was on full-blown fire. The fire services were called by someone in the pub who heard the explosion. They attempted to use the hose, but unfortunately, it did not reach the lock or the boat.
Sometime later, the fire services carried the hose across the water in their inflatable boat.They were then able to reach the boat and lock gates with their hose.
The boat sank
At 12:50, the boat fire had been put out—the lock gates were still smouldering. The boat sank in the lock at 1:10pm.
The boat’s recovery was filmed by RCR, who will post it up on YouTube this month, and a crew from Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes (airing next May), who will continue to cover RCR’s work as part of their new series.
The explosion damaged the 200 year-old lock gates which were replaced by the Canal & River Trust. It’s hoped the cause of the explosion will be determined now the vessel has been recovered.