Remarkable River Avon rescue saves dozens of stranded boats
SEPTEMBER’S River Avon sluice gate failure that caused three boats to capsize and sink, put six at risk of sinking and left 40 stranded, was described by River Canal Rescue as its biggest single inland waterway recovery operation.
In less than three days, RCR took control of the recovery process to safeguard and refloat all vessels. This included agreeing protocols, communicating with stakeholders (the Canal & River Trust, Environment Agency and boat owners), prioritising activity, pulling in engineers from around the country and sourcing equipment to be in place the next day.
Under usual circumstances this would pose a logistical headache, but in this Covid-19 world it was more akin to a logistical migraine.
All vessels needed to be sealed to prevent water ingress; this involved using magnets, tarpaulins and ropes to secure them and Tirfors/winches for those more at risk. Hull damage was also a consideration so each boat required a bilge pump and battery.
RCR holds a lot of stock and equipment, but it still had to source – in less than 12 hours – an additional 20 bilge pumps and batteries, six Tirfor lifting and pulling winches, 300m of rope, 60m of hose and 20 tarpaulins.
Although RCR has more than 100 magnets, in order to seal every boat, it needed 100 more. Availability issues meant teams had to improvise and use different ways to seal holes, for example with bags and wood pegs.
With teams and equipment ready for a 6am start, CRT and EA staff helped RCR to transport equipment to every vessel along the river. While recovery specialists refloated the three sunken boats, other engineers secured vessels, which due to their position were at risk of sinking.
By early afternoon, all boats had been checked and water was released from the sluice gates. RCR worked on into the evening to refloat, assess and stabilise vessels and after an 18-hour shift, the firm reported 100% success in resolving the situation.
Over the weekend teams returned to check over the vessels, remove any fitted equipment, ensure all were secure with no leaks and provide standby support. This wasn’t however, the end of the challenge.
Following the incident it became clear owners were concerned about potential hull damage and the EA agreed the best option was to lift out and inspect them. And so came more logistics, with RCR asked to manage this second wave of activity.
It was agreed CRT-owned land next to the lock was the best location to carry out inspections and, with owners keen to proceed, the pressure was on to start lifting the following week. Health and safety requirements, and constraints when craning close to the canal, posed the first challenge.
Differing stakeholders, coupled with a list of requirements to fulfil, slowed down lifting permits, giving RCR little time for site compliance before the cranes arrived. Over a weekend, Marsh Cranes and the EA helped RCR source and lay matting to cover the area, plus set up security fencing.
RCR started lifting and checking vessels Monday morning and the EA/CRT provided the facilities and manpower necessary to complete the task as quickly as possible.
Between Tuesday, September 29 and Wednesday, October 7, RCR lifted on average six boats a day, the majority of which suffered minimal damage.
There were two major constructive total loss claims.
RCR has 35 employees supporting around 20,000 members and during the incident, more than half – 15 working on site and four in the background – focused solely on the River Avon recovery.
Managing director Stephanie Horton commented on this remarkable rescue: “Our success is due to having teams that work and train together, with the right technical expertise.
“Everyone was determined to carry on until all the boats were refloated, and their dedication and motivation to achieve this goal was admirable.” Away from the River Avon, Stephanie confirmed: “The remainder of staff, supported by contractors, managed our other commitments and those who did require our services were very understanding about any delays.
“I’m immensely proud of all of our staff; those on site, engineers undertaking other rescues, those out on the road and employees in the office.”
RCR wishes its members and everyone using the inland waterway system a healthy, happy and safe 2021.