20 sunken boats to be raised to reduce flood risk

About 20 sunken boats in the River Hull will be removed by RCR as part of a Council plan to increase the river flow and reduce the risk of flooding.

River Canal Rescue has been appointed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council to remove the sunken vessels from the River Hull, supporting its strategy to manage flood risk in the local area. The Council arranged the necessary permits with the Environment Agency and Marine Management Organisation and RCR raised the first two vessels on 19 September (Image above). A programme to remove the remainder will be agreed for 2017 and carried out between June and September so as not to disturb lampreys, a protected species of fish which live in the River Hull.

Graham Stuart MP, chair of the new River Hull Board, said: Clearing the riverbed of sunken boats is part of a multi-million-pound plan to speed the flow of water down the river, which could make all the difference next time there is very heavy rainfall. I want to thank all the partner organisations that have come together to make this happen – it marks a real victory for all those who have campaigned for practical action to protect our communities.

Councillor Symon Fraser, cabinet portfolio holder for asset management, housing and environment at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, agreed: The removal of the first two sunken vessels in the River Hull is an important step in realising the ambitions of this strategy and is an excellent example of how a number of organisations can work together to improve the lives of local residents.

Stephanie Horton, managing director of River Canal Rescue, commented: We are delighted to assist in bringing this project to fruition; we are also using local businesses to support the salvage operations and hope that as we move forward with the clearing of the River Hull, it will benefit the local community in many ways.

In 2015, RCR undertook 115 salvage and emergency rescues. To find out more visit www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk