WE MUST all know of the devastation caused to homes by the recent flooding over Christmas and the New Year, but boaters too have suffered considerably, and here we see the reality of flooding waterways.
River Canal Rescue (RCR) reports it's been inundated with calls to help raise and refloat sunken craft and remove vessels that have been swept onto land or each other by unprecedented water levels and are now trapped, writes Francesca Breeze.
Widespread damage
The breakdown and assistance firm is currently dealing with 20 cases and notifications are coming in on a daily basis from agencies and boat owners across the UK. The widespread damage to the canal and river networks in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester, particularly the Aire & Calder, Calder & Hebble and Rochdale canals, has resulted in a concentrated area of devastation spanning 20-30 miles.
RCR managing director Stephanie Horton and her rapid response teams have been on the road since 27 December looking out for stricken craft, where possible making them safe and if they can, notifying owners who may be unaware of their vessel's fate.
Complex logistical needs
With speed the utmost priority, some craft have already been raised, pumped out, refloated using air bags and divers and taken to safety, others have more complex logistical needs, such as cranes and winches and approval for remedial works from the Highways Agency. For craft trapped in the woods, there is a requirement to liaise with tree surgeons.
Broken locks bring with them water level issues, and damaged bridges and roads present access issues. However, in the face of adversity, Steph and her team remain focused on endeavouring to clear the navigation channels as quickly as possible and help boat owners minimise their claims costs.
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River Witham—32ft narrowboat partially capsized and was sinking. Notified two days before Christmas the race was on to get the resources and equipment in place to get it raised, it was refloated on 2nd January with air bags using a five man dive team and three RCR staff.
Calder—two sunken boats, they were transported over the locks and hit bridges. Due to be refloated using divers and air bags Friday 8th January. One refloated, second boat had to be left after broken glass led to an injury.
Battye—capsized boat at the Bingley Arms on the Calder & Hebble near Wakefield. Righted and refloated on 6th January.
Todmorden—'Juno' was lifted from its winter mooring near Todmorden lock and is now on the towpath. Cranes are being arranged to lift it back into the water, liaison with Highways Agency. The lift was booked for 9th January, but road into town has collapsed so recovery on hold.
Elland Wharf— Numerous vessels are jammed in at Elland Wharf—these will have to be craned as there are weight restrictions on the bridges in the area (due to their flood damage). RCR is working with the Highways Agency and crane firms to resolve.
Park Nook Lock—force of water pushed ‘Maiella' into the woods. Was based in Brighouse on the Calder & Hebble. RCR working with CaRT and tree surgeon to refloat the boat.