On Saturday 27 June, River Canal Rescue engineer, Jake Mullen, was called to bridge 70 (Wolseley Bridge, near Rugeley, Stafford) on the Trent & Mersey Canal, after an oak tree crashed onto nb Marcellus. The tree had fallen from the opposite side of the towpath, landing on the boat, causing major damage and blocking the towpath walkway/navigation.
The owner was on his boat at the time, thankfully unhurt, but very shaken.
RCR joined the CRT (who were already on site closing the towpath). Tree specialists quickly got to work clearing the site, and within a short time the towpath was reopened and area around the boat declared safe. RCR was then able to take photos of the damage and assess the situation safely.
The tree specialists returned to the site on Monday 29 June and removed the tree/reopened the navigation.
Jake comments: “The boat had taken on some water and was listing quite badly. On Tuesday, with my colleague Andy Spencer, we were able to pump out the boat and check the hull for damage to ensure no more water was coming in.”
Jake and Andy then inspected the engine and got it working so the boat could operate independently. The following day RCR moved the boat to its agreed location for the boat to be pulled out the water. It’s believed the hot weather tree caused the tree to fall.
