Five sunken and abandoned boats have been removed from the River Avon near Pulteney Weir in Bath following concerns over safety hazards and pollution risks. The operation was led by Bath & North East Somerset Council as part of their Better Moorings Project, which aims to address various mooring-related issues in the area.
Specialist contractors Strate Marine Services conducted the removal work, which began on March 15 and concluded on May 9 with the final boat lifted from the water. The presence of these submerged vessels posed dangers to other river users and threatened the river’s ecological health by contributing artificial waste.
To recover costs, the council is reaching out to the owners of the removed boats and encourages them to engage promptly to avoid additional storage fees. Meanwhile, mooring along the Pulteney stretch remains closed due to ongoing health and safety concerns. Boat owners have been warned of the risks and advised to vacate the area before winter each year.
READ MORE: Iconic Seaside Landmark in Weston-super-Mare to be Transformed into Nationally Significant Venue
READ MORE: Taste of the West Food Group Enters Administration Amid Uncertainty
Councillor Tim Ball, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, expressed gratitude towards local residents and businesses for their patience during the operation. He emphasized that the removals would significantly improve river safety and enhance the enjoyment of this iconic waterway.
Cllr Ball also advised boat owners to only moor at official and recognized sites, regularly inspect their moorings throughout the winter, ensure their vessels are seaworthy, and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including salvage protection.