17-05-2025
Sunk and abandoned boats recovered from river
Wrecked and abandoned boats sunk in the River Avon near Wiltshire have been recovered, with the last having been removed last week.
An operation to recover five boats that had been abandoned by their owners and left to rot and sink in the river as it passes through Bath began in March, but on May 9, was finally completed.
The operation near Pulteney Weir in the town centre was carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council due to the boats posing a hazard to other users of river and a pollution risk to the water.
The works were part of the Better Moorings Project which seeks to address a range of mooring-related matters in Bath and North East Somerset.
The works were carried out by specialist contractors Strate Marine Services and began on March 15, with the final boat having been removed last week.
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The council announced the removal of the boats in early March, when councillors said the boats had become a hazard in the waterway and threatened the ecology of the area.
The council added that it would be seeking recovery of £72,600 total costs for the removals of the boats once the job had finished.
The council says it is seeking to recover the removal costs from the boat owners, who are encouraged to engage with the council at their earliest convenience to minimise additional storage costs.
One of the wrecks now recovered from the River Avon. (Image: BANES Council.) Mooring in the Pulteney stretch of the River Avon remains closed due to health and safety concerns. All boat owners moored in the area have been advised of the risks and were encouraged to vacate the area prior to the winter.
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: 'These five boats have been an issue for some time and it's fantastic that the removal operation has been completed. Thank you to residents and businesses in the area for your patience while the works were carried out and to Strate Marine Services and our Better Moorings team, who all worked tirelessly to achieve this positive outcome.
'The removals will ensure the safety of all river users and enhance everyone's enjoyment of this iconic waterway, whilst reducing the levels of artificial waste in the river.
'We advise boat owners to safely moor at recognised and officially open mooring sites, monitor their moorings regularly throughout the winter season, ensure their boats are fit for the water and are fully insured inclusive of salvage.'
