Boat sinks after vandal attack

A NARROWBOAT moored at Tipton on the BCN sank on Christmas Day following an attack by vandals.

Its owner, Monica Bett, who lives on the boat, was away before Christmas, but came back to her boat to find it on its side, partly under water, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Take in water

She had been told that the boat had been attacked a few nights earlier, and somehow its damage had caused it to take in water, allowing it to sink.

The narrowboat does not have a permanent mooring, but was on the bankside at Tipton on the Birmingham Level Main Line, where it was to be left until March ready to go through Netherton Tunnel.

Heavily loaded

As the 20 years old boat was heavily loaded and low in the water, it is thought that an engine air vent—one can be seen way below the recommended height—could have been responsible for its sinking, allowing in water, should the vandals have all been on one side, tipping it over.

There seems to be some problem over insurance, as the owner is not certain if it is covered for the incident.