A RESCUE boat from Droitwich was called out last week after holiday-makers on a narrow boat found themselves in distress on the river near Claines.

The incident occurred just after 6pm on Saturday, June 6, and a fire appliance from Worcester went out to the boat, along with two Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT) crews from Droitwich and Worcester.

A 45-foot narrow boat had run aground on a submerged sand bank on the north end of Bevere Island, just 300 yards upstream of the weir and lock, and firefighters were concerned that the boat might become dislodged and drift toward the weir downstream.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service launched a rescue boat from the bank of the river, successfully transporting an elderly couple and their two dogs to safety, before the SRT crews attempted to free the narrow boat, which presented a hazard to other traffic on the river.

Water had to be drained from the narrow boat’s water tanks to help raise its level in the water, and SRT crews wearing dry-suits waded knee-deep in order to push the boat off the sandbank, while a firefighter started the boat’s engine and reversed it off the bank.

Station commander Ian Jallands from HWFRS, said: “The rescue boat crew quickly removed the elderly couple and their dogs from danger, before dealing with the stranded narrow boat. At this particular incident, due to the proximity of the lock and weir, an attempt was made to re-float the boat. The crews’ skilful efforts were quickly rewarded and the narrow boat was driven upstream to a nearby mooring. The couple and their dogs were soon reunited with their boat to enjoy the rest of their holiday.”

Mr Jallands went on to urge anyone encountering an emergency situation while in charge of a boat, to make sure they give a good indication of their location, as this couple did, so they can be easily found.