A BOAT which sank in Kelston Lock, on the Bristol Avon Navigation, after suffering an explosion has been recovered from the water.
The co-owners of the vessel, who wished to remain anonymous, told how on August 25 they collected it from its mooring on Mill Island and set off across the River Avon towards Kelston Lock, heading for Bath. One co-owner was at the helm, while the other, with a friend, acted as crew.
“When arriving at the lock 10 minutes later, the crew disembarked to open the lock gates and the boat steered through,” they said. “The rope was secured around the capstan, and the co-owner was standing by the cabin door to receive the rope.
“At 11.50am, an explosion was heard from the engine area. The crew alerted the person left on the boat that flames were coming from the folded canopy at the stern. The co-owner turned around and tried to grab the fire extinguisher, but she was advised to get out immediately for fear of further explosion.
“Having climbed onto the roof of the boat, the crew hauled the person up onto the lock side. Realising a dog was still in the cabin, one of the crew jumped down onto the roof of the boat and went into the cabin through the door and retrieved the dog.
“At 11.58am, the fire was full-blown. The fire services were called by someone in the pub who heard the explosion. They attempted to use the hose, but it did not reach the lock or the boat. Sometime later, the fire services carried the hose across the water in an inflatable boat.
“At 12.50am, the fire had been extinguished but the lock gates were still smouldering. The boat sank in the lock at 1.10pm.”
The recovery operation was carried out by River Canal Rescue (RCR)’s Jake Mullen, Kerry Horton, Pete Barnett and Andy Spencer. It was filmed by Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes, airing next May, which is featuring RCR’s work.
The explosion damaged the 200-year-old lock gates, which were replaced by the Canal & River Trust. It is hoped the cause of the explosion will be determined now the vessel has been recovered.
