Boat sunk in Bunbury lock!

 Wow, what a morning! Ian went to empty the loo at Anglo-Welsh facilities and returned to tell me a Black Prince boat had very nearly sunk in Bunbury staircase lock. Well, of course, I had to go for a nosey. Sean the manager of Anglo-Welsh had already got the family out, one still in their PJ's. Looking at where the boat was positioned the rear of the boat was on the cill. What I can gather talking to a lady at the lock, the hire boat had entered into the bottom lock and instead of dropping both paddles left one raised. The middle gate paddles were then lifted to bring them up unaware of the water rushing through and out of the bottom gate sluice The water levels did equalise enough to allow the boat to travel forward but because of the deminishing water level ended up on the cill. With the nose dropping water rushed in and flooded the floor. Sean tried to lift the boat off the cill by filling the lock but the amount of water still in the boat caused it to tip even more. Once more the lock was emptied and pumps brought in to drain the water. After a good hour, the water level in the boat had decreased enough for the boat to once more be floated. Someone from Black Prince yard arrived to asses the situation. With the boat now not fit for purpose I expect the hirers will have to be making tracks back home. Wonder if they will lose their deposit?

Pumps arrive

Starting to raise the boat again.

Now floating again but still has the list.

We did have some concerns wether or not Merlin would stull be able to leave early. Sean was true to his word when he said the lock would be fully operational before midday. So when Lynda and Tony arrived all that was left to do was put their belongings on board, do the changeover with one of the Anglo Welsh staff and away we went.

The Black Prince boat engine being started.

On our way

Turning at Hurleston Junction

 The Hurleston flight

first of the Swanley locks

Huge hole at the second of the Swanley locks

The plan was to moor above Swanley locks and and have a BBQ so we kept going right up to 5.30pm. The rain held off (been threatening all day) so it was time to get out the chairs, wrap up in warm coats and enjoy a glass of wine or two.