Huge uptick in canal rescues as unsecured hatches take most of blame

Weed hatches, seal issues and lock cills were responsible for a 41 per cent increase in the number of rescues undertaken by River Canal Rescue (RCR) in 2024. The company reports it responded to 171 major incidents in 2024. These involved submerged, partially sunken or grounded craft, plus salvage work.

The company says of the 50 major incidents between 1 June and 31 August 2024, a high proportion of these — 40+ — were due to due to boats being trapped and submerged in locks, after getting stuck on lock cills.

Lock cills are a cause of major incidents on canals

Cills protrude below the water, close to the top gates of most canal locks. If a boat’s travelling downhill in the lock chamber and its stern (ie rudder) gets caught on the cill, only the bow of the boat will lower with the water level, when the water recedes. The stern will raise up. Sinking or capsizing can happen in seconds.

A boat travelling uphill can equally get its bow stuck on a projection under the top gate – causing the stern only to rise with the water level. If the bow of the boat is too close to the locks, as the sluices open, water can fall onto the front deck well. Similarly, a leaking lock or paddle can fill the deck well.

Unsecured weed hatches cause major incidents on canals

Then there were the incidents caused by unsecured or loose weed hatches. when a boat goes into reverse, water will enter through the weed hatch and flood the engine bay. This will cause the back end to lie lower in the water and once this happens, more water will then start coming in, through the weed hatch, causing the boat to sink. Similarly, if the seal around the weed hatch has perished, the same thing will happen – when the boat is in reverse, water will enter the engine bay.

As well as the major incidents, RCR answered 3,485 general call-outs (a four per cent increase on the previous year). The call-outs were mainly for electrical, fuel and engine issues including flat batteries, over-heating and gear box failures. 567 call-outs were return visits requiring additional work.

It recently announced it is expanding its service offerings to offer boat owners, marina, and boatyard staff with specialised two-day courses in boat and engine maintenance. The sessions will look at critical skills, including diesel engine care, propulsion systems and electrical troubleshooting.

Fifty major incidents in three months for River Canal Rescue 9 October 2024

Meanwhile, managing director, Stephanie Horton (pictured) says its Canal Contracting service organised 521 visits to undertake a variety of work, including plumbing and electrical installations, gearbox replacements, inverter, solar installations and general engine maintenance.

RCR subsidiary, Key Diesels, (which supplies and fits new and refurbished engines nationwide), sold 45 new and used engines direct to customers – a 200 per cent uplift from the previous year. It also worked on 18 customers’ engines, and refurbished/provided 21 gearboxes.

“It’s always prudent to give your boat a thorough check over before cruising, and carry some spares,” says Horton. “Some preparation can make a big difference to the success of your journey and may prevent you becoming one of our statistics. We’re also always on-hand to answer any queries and give advice, just get in touch.”

Weed invasion causes stress for UK’s canals 8 August 2023