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High and Dry on Llangollen Canal

High and Dry on Llangollen Canal

Whitchurch Canal Breach
Photo: Youtube/Narrowboat Life Unlocked

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.

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.

 

Cellus

Cellus

Cellus
Photo: bbc.com

On the morning of December 19, the 100 meter long, 6251 dwt cargo vessel Cellus (IMO: 9173317) ran aground in the River Wear at the entrance to the Port of Sunderland, England. The Cellus had departed from Brünsbuttel with a cargo of paper products when it grounded as it entered the port. The cargo vessel was unable to free itself and requested assistance. Tugboats were dispatched from the Tees and Tyne to free the Cellus as it was blocking the port entrance. The tugs arrived on site and were able to pull the cargo vessel free. The Cellus was later docked at a quay within the port. No reports of injuries or pollution released. No details if the Cellus sustained any hull damage or was inspected for damage.

Finnwave

Finnwave

Finnwave
Photo: theargus.co.uk

On the morning of November 12, the 217.5 meter long, 14509 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Finnwave (IMO: 9468932) caught fire in English Channel approximately 11 nautical miles southeast of Eastbourne, England. The Finnwave was headed to Zeebrugge from Rosslare when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room.. The crew was able to extinguish the fire, but the vessel had lost engine power. The crew sent out a distress call with the RNLI responding. The RNLI lifeboat arrived on scene and stood by while the Finnwave dropped anchor.  No reports of injuries. The Solent Coastguard stated they would monitor the cargo vessel while repairs were carried out.