A week after a dramatic embankment collapse, three narrowboats remain stranded in a drained section of a historic Shropshire canal. Fresh aerial images show the vessels still trapped near the site of the major breach in Whitchurch.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
The incident occurred in the early hours of December 22 when a 200-year-old section of the Llangollen Canal embankment in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch gave way. A 50-metre (164ft) by 50-metre sinkhole opened up, engulfing three boats. Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after 4.40am, rescuing at least ten people from the affected craft.
This morning, exactly one week on, emergency crews were seen deploying specialist equipment, including a boat turner, in a renewed effort to haul the marooned vessels to safety. Pumps have also been working to maintain water levels in adjacent sections and prevent further catastrophic flooding.
Official Statement from Canal Authorities
Campbell Robb, chief executive of the Canal and River Trust, provided an update on the complex situation. "Now the initial emergency response, including the concern for boaters' immediate safety, has passed, our teams have been working hard to refill the Llangollen Canal around the site of the breach," he stated.
Robb confirmed one positive development: "We are also delighted to have been able to recover narrowboat Pacemaker from the edge of the breach overnight." He noted that refilling the canal would allow other boats in the immediate area to refloat and restore navigation.
Investigation and Long-Term Repair
While the rescue operation continues, engineers have begun the crucial task of investigating the cause of the failure. "Our engineers are continuing their investigations into why the canal embankment was undermined and will be drawing up plans for its repair," Robb explained.
He acknowledged the scale of the challenge, stating, "Thankfully, breaches of this scale are relatively rare, but, when they do occur, they're expensive and complicated to fix." The Trust has pledged to provide regular updates to the local and boating community in the coming weeks.
Robb also expressed gratitude for the collaborative support, saying, "I'm thankful that, working with Shropshire Council, initial support has been there for all the people and pets who got caught up in this disaster." With most boats now refloating, the focus remains on supporting those affected and planning the embankment's reconstruction.
