RCR Responds to River Nene emergency

River Canal Rescue were recently called to help in the rescue of a sunken narrowboat on River Nene. RCR undertook the rescue after extensive discussions with the environment agency, surveyors and contractors for the crane lift, and a team of divers. With all parties having visited the site and looked at the number of scenarios and complications the best course of action was decided upon. 

This particular rescue had many complications that meant that only a few options were viable partly because the river bank had been eroded and the road was no longer stable. This ruled out use of a crane. In addition divers and bags could not be used due to the flow of water and where the boat is wedged. Although the rescue could have been delayed until the water receded it was felt that due to the boats position, and the impact this would have on the bank and local flooding, it was felt that if the opportunity arose to rescue the boat that it should be undertaken as quickly as possible 

The water levels had to be reduced and the boat emptied in order to inspect, and if necessary repair the suspected hull damage before the boat could be re-floated. EA reduced the water levels, by closing the upstream sluices and opening the Ditchford sluice. Two 4 inch pumps were employed which emptied the boat within 45 minutes, but each time the water level was dropped, to allow the back of the boat to be completely emptied, boats moored nearby demanded that the rescue be stopped to allow the water levels to be increased due to risks to their own boats.

The boat was emptied four separate times and was inches from success, but hampered by un-forecast torrential rain which caused the water levels to increase rapidly and, due to localised flooding upstream the rescue had to be halted. In addition, the cold and physical stress of the work involved had left all staff at risk of hyperthermia.

Another rescue attempt was made when the weather forecast was for blue skies and the river levels started to recede. All parties were confident of an opportunity to complete the complicated salvage operation.

EA had made it very clear that due to the erosion of the bank, and the problem it had created in managing the flood levels both upstream and downstream, that one way or another the operation had to be completed over the weekend.

All parties involved were put on standby from Friday though to Sunday to ensure should the weather turn they were available at short notice to attend site.  EA worked closely with RCR to ensure that the obstacles faced on the previous attempt would not hamper the salvage operations. Additional mooring posts were installed and all boats moored in the local vicinity were asked to relocate, and given notice of the intensions to reduce water levels. EA worked to reduce levels in the section and manage the flow throughout Northamptonshire prior to the attempt.

RCR’s rescue team were on site from 9am and after setting up their operations, and cordoning off their working area set to work pumping out the boat and clearing all of the debris, loose furniture and submerged obstacles from inside the boat.

The plan was to reduce water levels, to lessen the amount of water entering the vessel and holding the stern down.  During this operation the boat was pumped out, quickly reaching the floor levels pipes had to be inserted in to the bilges and eventually in to the engine compartment. 

If this attempt did not result in the vessel re-floating then it was over to plan B.  This involved employing the use of flotation bags, to assist in getting the stern to lift. However this in itself presented many challenges and therefore was not the first option.  

It has been anticipated that by 12.30 the boat would re-float if it was going to and at 12pm up she came, and as anticipated there was no hull breach evident. As agreed with EA the boat continued to be pumped out whilst river levels were increased, and the sluice gates closed to stop any flow of water. The boat was heavily listing due to sodden fixtures…all of which were on one side of the vessel. The engineers moved as many  ‘movable ‘ objects as possible to offset this and continue pumping until there was only a small amount of water left in the bilges.

With the help of EA staff and the very long ropes that had been used to secure the vessel throughout its ordeal the boat was hauled to the pontoon to moor. A temporary bilge pump was installed to keep the boat afloat, and the boat made secure. 

It is worth mentioning that RCR have a rescue team trained specifically for these events, and this is the first one that has ‘thwarted’ our efforts, but it was more the external effects than our own that hindered the success of the  rescue. On reviewing our rescues this year, RCR have saved 21 boats from total loss, from the river Trent to the River Thames & Avon, and the UK canal system…most costs are less than £2k for the rescue but on average are saving £50k + of boat. If RCR can get to a boat before it becomes totally submerged we can usually save it within hours, in this case the boat was already submerged and Health and Safety had to take priority as the damage was already done.

RCR Photographic competition.

As you may have seen on Facebook we've launched a photographic competition.  We are keen for members to share their experiences on the RCR Facebook page. By visiting the page and clicking on ‘Like’ you will not only be able to stay in touch with news and useful information, but also be able to see the results of the new photographic competition.

All members are invited to submit a photograph taken of any subject on the inland waterways. If you do you will be in with a chance to win one of three prizes. 1st prize is £100, 2nd is £50 and 3rd is £25. The closing date is 30th November and is open to both existing and prospective members so if you are already a member don’t forget to include your membership number with your submission. 

The RCR website will be revamped and upgraded later this year and all photographs submitted with go into the new picture gallery. So by sending in your pictures you will also be giving consent for the images to be used in marketing and publicity material.

So have a look through your photos and send in that one image you’ve always been quietly proud of. The more imaginative the better. To submit, email your images to dawn@rivercanalrescue.co.uk  and don’t forget to visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/River-Canal-Rescue/360550173965172 for all our news and competition results.

So how does it work?

How many of us really understand what is covered by our insurance, and what the insurance company expects of us?

In the last issue we looked at Insurance terminology, in this issue we pose some hypothetical scenarios to illustrate the terms from the last article in use and show how they can be applied in a practical manner. 

If your vessel sinks, most policy wording will indicate that the liability for damage to the vessel including raising of the vessel is down to the insured .  Why? 

After a hard winter, or heavy rain fall you pop down to check on the boat and found that it is underwater.  You call your insurance company who log the claim and explain that although the vessel has sunk this is not necessarily covered by your insurance. 

 The reason it has sunk has to be identified before the claim can be assessed this is ‘identifying the peril’. Therefore the insurance company will expect you the insured to cover all recovery costs up until the cause of the sinking is identified. If this is due to poor winterisation, or a failed bilge pump the claim may be rejected; unless there is clear evidence that the casue was not preventable. If you did not regularly check your vessel when the river was in flood this could be classed as a failure of ‘duty of care’ and your claim rejected. If due to vandalism it may be covered but until the vessel is raised and the cause identified no insurance company will accept the claim. However once your claim is accepted then all costs incurred will normally be covered.

You are in a lock and you lose concentration, the boat drifts and as the water is emptying, you feel the boat start to tilt, and realise too late that the boat is caught on the sill. You quickly rush to rectify the situation but find that the steering has gone stiff and you can no longer move the rudder. Is this covered by your insurance?

 If you are in a car and you reverse in to a bollard, and had full comprehensive cover then this would be classed as ‘accidental damage’ and would normally be covered by your insurance cover. Apply this to boats and if you hit an underwater obstacle, catch your rudder on a sill, lose your propeller, etc, these could all be classed as accidental damage, and therefore may be covered under your insurance policy.

You visit your boat and find that someone has smashed you windows and doors leaving the boat open and unlocked. You take a wrong turn on a river with a strong current and suddenly find yourself stranded on a weir. Under these scenarios the insurance company would expect you to take measures to secure the vessel to insure that further damage is mitigated. This is your Duty of Care. 

In the first instance you would need to organise someone to board up the windows and put a lock on the doors, in the second you would need to organise for the boat to be rescued. If you did not undertake these measures and the boat suffered more damage your claims could be rejected or the full damage not covered. Costs of’ mitigating the damage’ is normally covered by your insurance company, once the claim is accepted.

So what does it all Mean?

Boat insurance is a something we all take for granted, we must have it and it provides that peace of mind of knowing that when something goes wrong you’re covered.

However how many of us truly understand the terminology that is used to quantify the cover that is provided? The following guide looks at some of the terminology that is used and how it can affect you if you do not fully understand the implications.

The following explanations have been put together using  a number of insurance  policies to provide a generalised description of the terminology, please refer to your own policy or insurance company for exact meanings.

Seaworthy –fit to encounter the ordinary perils of the sea, rivers, lakes, and  any other navigable waterways and suitably moored, crewed, equipped, fuelled, provisioned and with all equipment in proper working s order.  Seaworthyness applies not only to the hull but to all of your boat including parts, gear, equipment and machinery. 

In layman’s terms :- The hull, machinery and all equipment must be ‘fit for purpose’. In addition this also stipulates you have the correct knowledge and crew, and are fuelled and provisioned for your journey. 

Peril – The cause of the loss, damage or accident. Typically Fire, Lightening, Explosion, Theft, Malicious damage or Vandalism, weather event, Freezing of Machinery (as long as it has been winterised correctly) and Accidents.

This is at the heart of every claim – “was the damage caused by an insured peril?”  and will dictate if the claim is covered by your insurance policy.

Duty of Care (due diligence) – you take all reasonable steps to maintain and keep your vessel and its gear and equipment in a proper state of repair and seaworthiness and take all reasonable steps to protect your insured property from loss or damage. 

Weather event- an unusual strong force of wind, heavy prolonged rain fall, snow or sleet, freezing conditions resulting in ice, flooding of lakes and rivers beyond bounds. ( this can only be classed as loss when  as a direct result of a sudden and sever event) This would be classed as one of the Perils resulting in a claim.  

Accidental Damage –  Loss or damage to the vessel and associated equipment as agreed up to the total value insured due to external accidental means, fire, explosion, negligence, malicious acts and other causes specified in the policy. 

This covers most common issues ,( not caused by third parties) encountered whilst boating; loss or damage to the rudder, propeller, shaft, machinery or keel from hitting something underwater, grounding, sinking and water damage are all typical claims covered under accidental damage.

Fault – A failure in or of the design, manufacture or installation of a component or part of you vessel.

Modification  - made to the vessels super structure,  extended, major changes to the layout, additional structures built, and new engines fitted all of these have to be notified to an insurer, this may or many not result in a survey being required to access seaworthiness but in many cases much like vehicles if you make any changes then it is always prudent to let your insurer know.

Mitigate damage/loss – In the event of an incident that may give rise to a claim, you must take all necessary steps to minimise and prevent further loss.  Following partial or full immersion of your vessels machinery you must administer first aid. 

When loss or damage occurs act you must act as if uninsured. This may seem unusual advice but it is most important that, in the event of any incident involving your vessel you must take all reasonable steps to minimize the loss.  All reasonable charges, including salvage charges, incurred to prevent or minimise a loss by any risk is usually recoverable. You must notify your insurance company as quickly as possible.

Salvage - The act of saving imperilled property from loss.

 In the event of you requiring assistance from salvors it is imperative that you do not put life at risk by any delay in accepting salvage services. A potential salvor may be prepared to assist on a fixed price basis and only agree a price which you would be reasonably prepared to meet yourself in the event of having no benefit of insurance cover

Expense of Inspection (bottom inspection) the expense of inspecting the Vessel after grounding (even if no damage is found); 

Typical Limitations – please check your policy wording

• Loss or damage whilst left unattended on moorings unless otherwise agreed.
• any loss, damage, liability or expense directly or indirectly arising from: lack of reasonable maintenance; or wear and tear
• any liability to any person if they or anyone else has paid for them to be on-board the Vessel
• unrepaired damage, any failed repair, alteration, modification or  maintenance work carried out on the Vessel 
• Loss or damage to machinery  caused by fire or electrical failure of an item of machinery

Dramatic rescue on the River Soar

RCR have been involved in the dramatic rescue of a narrowboat on the River Soar at Ratclife in Nottinghamshire which saw their boat got caught by the current in the swollen river. The stretch on which the boat became stuck was a backwater taking excess water from the canal and, due to the recent heavy rain, was expected to rise even further during the hours shortly after the incident.

Thankfully the boat came to rest on the edge of the wear but this was directly under a concrete bridge. The result was just a few inches of clearance between the boat roof and the bridge. With levels continuing to rise the situation was likely to only get worse.

The fire brigade attended to rescue the crew on board, and RCR received a call from Nottingham fire brigade Chief, Mr Brambley, to ask if RCR could assist? RCR arranged for a tug and local contractors Redhill to attend whilst a rescue team were scrambled. When the team arrived Redhill had already got ropes on to the boat and brought in a JCB to help pull the boat. Due to the heavy rain and resulting high water levels the current was so strong the tug had little chance of pulling the boat on its own. The RCR team coordinated the rescue and manoeuvred the vessel whilst the tug and JCB took the strain.

As can be seen in the photos the weir is on a sharp bend off the main river, and with poor access the job was split in to two halves. Firstly, the aim was to get the boat off the weir, which was accomplished in stages. Weeds hampered the rescue and grounded the vessel on a number of occasions. but finally the boat was free of the weir and the bridge and was moored up for the night. Unfortunately the tug too had a few issues and with a fouled prop and had to be moored up as well.

The following day the rescue team and Redhill marine retuned to site and, after negotiation with local farmers, were able to get access (via the field) to the tow path on the main river. As there were approx’ 100mtrs between the boat and the towpath, the team used some novel techniques to string a rope between the two. By employing a tractor they then pulled, first the tug and then the vessel backwards against the current on to the main waterways. - a 5 hr exercise! The whole rescue involved a lot of planning and H&S assessments before the maneuver could take place.

Finally the boat was cruised back to Redhill’s moorings, but just in the nick of time as within an hour the river levels had risen by over a foot. It was then clear that if the boat had not been rescued it would have ended up either in the garden of the house adjacent, wedged under the bridge or down the weir.

The St John’s ambulance were on site taking care of the boat owners, and BW personnel assisted by closing the waterways and towpath to ensure that the rescue could be completed.  The whole event caught the attention of the BBC’s local news team who filmed a report that was published on the BBC’s news website at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-18736335

FAST thinking by RCR engineer helps a stroke victim.

Dean Burroughs

RCR engineers are known for their skills in diagnosing problems with boats but RCR’s junior engineer Dean Burroughs can add medical skills to his CV. Dean was recently attending a call to the refit of an outboard to a boat on the Weaver near Northwich when he noticed the owner beginning to slur his speech. 

Both Dean and the owners wife noticed but didn’t initially pursue the matter but a short time later Dean noticed the tell-tail facial droop associated with a stroke. With the owner now beginning to loose his balance Dean recognised the key pointers of a stroke and alerted the owners wife and the emergency services. The ambulance call takers assessed triaged the case over the phone and remained in contact providing advice and guidance until help arrived. Paramedics arrived on scene and they confirmed the diagnosis and rushed the gentleman off to hospital. Dean and his assistant Aaron Bushnell secured the vessel before leaving site after the ambulance crews left the scene. 

There is every chance that early intervention and the quick actions of the engineers may well have averted a more serious outcome as early intervention is imperative in the treatment of strokes. RCR understands that the member is now recovering in hospital and all at the company wish him well.

Crick 2012

If you are visiting Crick this year come and see us on stand KF23. We also have a stand near the water side for the chandlery so if you want to come and say hi we'd be glad to see you.