Crews rescue two canoeists from River Severn
Specialist crews carried out a river rescue after canoeists were left stranded in the middle of the Severn.
A couple in their 50s and their pet dog had to be dragged to safety after their canoe hit a rock and capsized on the river in Coalport yesterday afternoon.
They were left clinging to the canoe until fire crews arrived on the scene, about 400m downstream from the Woodbridge pub.
Another man also got into difficulty when he waded out to try and help and had to be pulled to safety too. All three and the dog were rescued by Fire and Rescue Service staff and treated by paramedics.
The alarm was raised when people at the nearby caravan park heard cries for help.
Crews from Telford, Wellington and Shrewsbury were called just after 2.30pm yesterday and rescued everyone in an hour.
Station Manager Andy Griffiths, of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Even with the dry weather we have had recently, and water levels being relatively low, the river can still be a very dangerous place. Hidden rocks just below the surface and fast flowing water can be perilous for inexperienced people.
"We would never advise untrained people to wade out or attempt to swim in the river as they could easily get into trouble."
Caroline Sheley, from the nearby cafe WHA, said: "We saw a couple of lifeboats being rushed on to the car parks with their flashing blue lights, but we did not really know what was happening."
