River Canal Rescue still in high demand
RIVER Canal Rescue (RCR) reports it responded to 121 major incidents in 2023. These were emergency situations either involving submerged, partially sunken or grounded craft, plus salvage work.
The figure is marginally down from the 130 incidents reported in 2022, despite more rescue jobs being undertaken in the summer; RCR experienced a quiet period between January and March, which is historically a much busier time.
Stephanie Horton, RCR managing director, said: “Our waterways are becoming increasingly popular and while RCR is always on hand to help when and where we’re needed most, we always urge owners to give their boats a once-over before starting any journey and carry some spares – a bit of preparation before you set sail can make a big difference to the success of your journey.”
Similar to previous years, the number of general call-outs, such as electrical, fuel and engine issues, flat batteries, overheating and gearbox failures, topped 3000; at 3335, down from 3411 a year earlier. Around 300 of these were return visits.
RCR engineers responded to 86% of call-outs while 14% were handled by approved contractors.
Stephanie added: “With there being fewer engineers, in general, on the waterways this has increased demand for the services of our canal contracting team, which in turn is leading to longer lead times. We are therefore continually looking for good quality engineers to join our team.”
RCR’s canal contracting service organised 593 visits to undertake a variety of work, including: plumbing and electrical installations, gearbox replacements, inverter, solar installations and general engine maintenance; up from 499 in 2022. There were also 515 engine inspections booked in, 417 of which combined inspections with services.
Its subsidiary, Key Diesels, whose team fits and supplies new and refurbished engines nationwide, completed 20 engine replacements/ installs, sold 15 new and used engines direct to customers, worked on 18 customers’ engines and refurbished/ provided 16 gearboxes. For more info visit: www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk