By NOOR QURASHI, NEWS REPORTER

Published: 18:22 GMT, 29 December 2025 | Updated: 20:32 GMT, 29 December 2025

Workers have attempted to salvage three narrowboats that were dragged to the depths of a gaping canal collapse in Shropshire.

Aerial pictures show the vessels submerged in mud with bits of debris scattered round them and a long stretch of corrugated metal draped over.

At least 10 people were rescued on Monday last week when the crater, around 50 meters by 50 metres in size, began to form at 4.22am in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch.

Firefighters arrived on scene shortly after 4.40am when the section of the canal mooring three boats completely drained of water. 

Two narrowboats had fallen into the hole and were left sitting on the canal bed, while one remained teetering over the edge.

This morning, emergency workers in orange high-vis vests were pictured positioning boat turners in a bid to winch the stranded vessels to safety.

Pumps were put in place to keep water levels normal and to prevent further catastrophic flooding.

Workers were also seen positioning a boat turner amid the rescue operation.

Aerial pictures show the vessels submerged in mud with bits of debris scattered round them and a long stretch of corrugated metal draped over

This morning, emergency workers in orange high-vis vests were pictured positioning boat turners in a bid to winch the stranded vessels to safety

Work vans are pictured arriving at the scene one week after a stretch of the Llangollen Canal in Whitchurch, Shropshire, collapsed

Canal and River Trust chief executive Campbell Robb said: 'Now the initial emergency response, including the concern for boaters' immediate safety, has passed, our teams have been working hard to refill the Llangollen Canal around the site of the breach.

'This will mean the boats in the immediate area are refloating, and navigation along other affected areas will be restored.

'We are also delighted to have been able to recover narrowboat Pacemaker from the edge of the breach overnight.

'Alongside this, our engineers are continuing their investigations into why the canal embankment was undermined and will be drawing up plans for its repair.

'We'll be providing regular updates and assurance to the local and boating community in the weeks ahead.

'Thankfully, breaches of this scale are relatively rare, but, when they do occur, they're expensive and complicated to fix.' 

Mr Robb added he was thankful initial support had been in place for all people 'and pets' caught up in the 'disaster'.

'With most of the boats now refloating, we'll continue to support those affected,' he said.