Four people rescued in Bridgnorth River Severn canoe drama
Four people had to be rescued from the River Severn in Bridgnorth today.
Specialist firefighters were quickly on the scene after calls that the occupants of two canoes were in trouble.
Firefighters helped to guide in the 10-craft party to get them to dry land
The drama played out in the river off Bridge Street when two canoes got caught in the current and jammed on the buttress of the historic bridge. One of the canoes capsized.
The alarm was raised at 11.06am.
Onlookers watched from the bridge as the rescue took place.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service incident commander, Paul Gray said crews from Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock were quickly on scene.
He said specialist water first responders went into the river and assisted the guide who was helping the four people to safety.
Once on dry land they were checked over and given foil blankets by firefighters.
"Crews also assisted in retrieving the boats. The operation was under control by 11.28am and the Shrewsbury boat crew was stood down."
Mr Gray said anyone going in the vicinity of open water should be mindful of its unpredictability.
"With the holiday season and good weather people will visit lakes and rivers and we ask them to take care.
"The water is inviting but it can hold hidden dangers."
At the weekend a Telford man died after going into the sea at Barmouth to rescue his children and last week a mother and her son had to be rescued after getting into difficulties in the River Rheidol at Aberystwyth.
