River rescue leads to chaos

Two men were rescued from the River Severn in Bridgnorth today after their boat’s engine cut out leaving them stranded. The Environment Agency workers were clearing debris from the river.

The engine failed near Low Town bridge.

They managed to call for help and were winched to safety by firefighters just before 10.30am. Neither of the men were injured.

Police sealed off the bridge for safety reasons causing chaos for motorists passing through the town.

A crowd of about 50 people gathered as a team of 19 firefighters began to lift the boat from the river this afternoon.

Lyn Fraley, from the Environment Agency, said the men were both relieved after being rescued.

She said: “They were clearing debris from the river as part of their normal job when it appears the engine failed on the boat.

“They managed to secure themselves and summoned assistance straight away. They are both fine but in a bit of shock. The boat was stuck in debris but firefighters managed to lift them out. The main thing is they are both okay.”

A spokeswoman for the fire service said: “We rescued two men after a small boat was washed up on debris. Officers used the crane on the back of one of the appliances to winch them to safety. An ambulance was not required and both men were uninjured.”

Motorist Jane Tareen, from Bridgnorth, said the incident had caused chaos.

She said: “It looked as if a boat had capsized and we saw two men getting rescued. The boat appears to be lodged against the bridge. The whole bridge has been sealed off and cars are having to go all the way back round to the bypass. It is causing chaos for traffic.”