On the evening of January 5, local authorities in Hull, England reported a barge (name not disclosed) struck a bridge on the River Hull. The barge was had been unmoored and drifted until became stuck under the bridge. The vessel remained wedged under the bridge until the water level lowered on the ebbing tide.
Photo: bbc.com
Local police, fire and emergency services were on site diverting traffic until the barge could be pulled free. Authorities suspect that the barge was intentionally let go from the mooring.
On the night of December 31, 2025, the 90 meter long, 3638 dwt cargo vessel Scot Pioneer (IMO: 9331347) ran aground in the English Channel at the entrance of the Teign River at Teignmouth harbour, England. The Scot Pioneer had departed from Hamburg and was entering the harbour when it stranded on a sandbank some 50 meters off the shoreline.
Photo: devonlive.com
Photo: bbc.com
Photo: devonlive.com
The Scot Pioneer remained aground until early the next day. Aided by a tug, the cargo vessel was pulled free on the next high tide. No reports of injuries to the 8 crew on board, damage or pollution released.
On the early morning of December 22, more than a dozen narrow barges were left high and dry on the Shropshire Union Canal Llangollen Branch near Whitchurch, England. The barges had been moored along the canal when part of the canal embankment failed causing an 50 meter by 50 meter sink hole to open up. Water in this section of the canal poured out pulling 2 narrowboats into the sinkhole. Several more barges were more fortunate and were left resting on the bottom of the canal. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. Those who were living aboard the barges had heard strange noises and had evacuated their vessels beforehand.
Local authorities and firefighters arrived on scene and secured the location. Firefighters placed a flood gate to stem off the flow water from the compromised section of the canal.
List of some of the narrowboats impacted from the incident:
Sefton
Pacemaker
This is the Way
The Singing Kettle
Reports state this portion of the canal embankment had been built over 200 years ago and had been recently been inspected. These canals limited barges to the be no longer than 72 feet long and 7 feet wide.
Photo: Youtube/Narrowboat Life Unlocked
Photo: Youtube/Narrowboat Life Unlocked
Photo: Youtube/Narrowboat Life Unlocked
Photo: x.com
Photo: x.com
Photo: x.com
Reports state authorities plan to return water levels to normal either side of the breach. The narrowboats in the impacted area would be provided support. Damage to the vessels was not disclosed.
