Drama as canal boat sinks

Holidaymakers had a lucky escape after their narrow boat sank on the Shropshire Union Canal.

The boat started to sink at Quoisley lock, just north of Whitchurch, on Monday.

Boaters were held up for several hours while waterways bosses attempted to re float the barge.

The canal was closed to all traffic for several hours while the drama unfolded.

The boat began to sink while navigating the lock during the morning.

Helen Hall, spokeswoman for the Canal & River Trust, said: "We were made aware of the sunken craft at Quoisley lock on the Shropshire Union Canal on Monday morning.

"Canal & River Trust staff assisted and refloated the holiday craft later in the afternoon.

"It is unclear how the vessel sank.

"Safety is paramount to the trust and we try to advise boaters on how to use the locks in a safe manner.

"Incidents like this are very rare and we are relieved that nobody was hurt."

Boaters took to Twitter to warn others of likely delays while the boat was being refloated.