A further update has been released after a vessel sank in Stonehouse last month.
The boat sunk at the Ocean Jubilee Rail Bridge, but nobody was hurt during the incident. However, a kingfisher drowned as a result of the oil spill from the capsized canal dredger.
A removal plan is now in place and a protective cover has been placed over the boat.
A social media post from the Cotswold Canal Trust, said: “Further to our previous statement on 8th January 2025, we want to again sincerely apologise for any concerns caused by the sinking and thank everyone for their continued support in preserving our canals and supporting the local community.
“We’ve been working closely with local residents, the Environment Agency and our partners to develop a recovery plan to remove the vessel; to ensure the protection of the environment and wildlife throughout the process. We are incredibly grateful for the help and dedication of our community, which has been instrumental in supporting our volunteers during this challenging task.
“A protective covering has been placed at the site, and thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, there have been no further reports of oil spillage from the contained area. With the guidance of experts in barge removal, wildlife conservation, and environmental safety, the removal plan has now been finalised and approved.
“The removal process will take place over the next 2 weeks, and for the safety of local residents, the towpath between The Ocean Jubilee Railway Bridge and Bonds Mill will be closed. For the safety of volunteers and the public, we kindly request privacy for our volunteers and contractors who will be working on-site during this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at mail@cotswoldcanals.org or call our office on 01453 752568 .
“Thank you once again for your ongoing support. As a charity with over 350 active volunteers, we are deeply committed to preserving and restoring the wildlife and environment in our local area. Without the dedication of these volunteers, we would not have had the plan to remove the vessel, the resources to cover the costs, or the peoplepower to carry out such a challenging task. Their hard work and commitment are truly invaluable.”