Knights of the riverbank River inspectors come to the aid of stranded boaters

Environment Agency river inspectors have been praised by boaters stranded on Anglia’s swollen rivers.

Some 40 boat owners were stuck on moorings on the rivers Nene and Great Ouse earlier this month while they waited for the river levels to subside. They were unable to continue their journeys as fast flowing water made navigation particularly treacherous, and the Environment Agency had issued Strong Stream Advice, which means that boaters are strongly encouraged not to attempt to navigate.

Many of these boaters could not access basic boating facilities like water points and pump out facilities, and many were running low on food and fuel.

Luckily Environment Agency river inspectors came to the rescue, and were on hand to deliver bottled water and ferry boaters to local shops and facilities, as well as keeping them updated on the river levels.

Matt Ryan, Great Ouse River Inspector and Andy Hall, River Nene River Inspector spent much of their time on the riverbanks with the boaters, and both admired their stoic attitude.

‘It can’t be much fun to be stuck in the same place for two weeks, waiting for the river levels to go down, but we are doing all we can to make their wait more comfortable,‘ said Matt.

‘All the boaters we’ve visited are in good humour considering the circumstances.’

Navigation has now re-opened on the Rivers Nene and Great Ouse, and boaters have been able to continue their journeys – in many cases towards St Ives and the annual IWA Festival.

When Strong Stream Advice is in place the Environment Agency urges all boaters not to attempt to navigate. Boaters are advised to moor in a safe place, preferably in a marina or a recognised mooring. Notice boards are displayed prominently on the riverbanks to inform boaters of the status of the river.

Anyone wishing to know the status of the river in advance of their journey can call the Environment Agency’s Floodline service on 0845 9881188, choosing option 1 and dialling one of the following quick dial numbers:

River Nene 032112
River Great Ouse 033211
River Ancholme 031212

7 August 2007