IT WAS RIVER CANAL RESCUE that were charged with the removable of the stranded boats caused by the Whitchurch breach on the 22nd December.
With River Canal Rescue engineers on site by lunchtime that day to assess the situation and determine what level of support was needed.
Two boats in the hole
In addition to the two boats in the hole, and a third boat perilously close to what has been described as a ‘massive crater’, 12 near-by vessels were left stranded due to the sudden water loss, with RCR managing director, Stephanie Horton, commenting:
“We’re currently unable to help the two boats in the hole; the area needs to be stabilised, dried out and able to accommodate heavy lifting equipment. The third boat however, was pulled to safety by a contractor using specialist machinery.
“Once the CRT installed cofferdams, which are able to withstand water and soil pressure, they could then pump water into the stretch of water between the breach at Whitchurch and Grindley Brook. We were asked by the CRT to attend and oversee the re-float.
Could re-float in line with listing water
“Having been advised the refill was happening on Christmas Eve, we sent six engineers to ensure the 12 stranded and listing boats could easily re-float in line with the rising water. Many vessels were listing on concrete plinths with outlets that could easily be overwhelmed once water levels rose, so engineers got into the canal and sealed holes at risk of water ingress. They also used tirfors and ratchet straps to hold the boats steady, ensuring they floated upright.
”After six hours—by 6.30pm— RCR had stabilised and safely refloated all 12 boats, resulting in minimum damage to the vessels and their hulls.
“Only then were they happy to leave and enjoy their Christmas. The team pulled out all the stops to ensure all affected boats were re floating before Christmas day, which was no mean feat.
RCR’s Christmas Eve team comprised; Trevor Forman, Pete Barnett, Tushka Horton, Andy Spencer,Kerry Horton and ‘PJ’ Rown.