Sinkhole Traps Three Boats in Shropshire Canal, 10 Rescued

A major incident was declared in Shropshire early Monday after a large sinkhole formed in the Shropshire Union Canal near the Chemistry area of Whitchurch, trapping three boats and prompting the rescue of more than 10 people with no reported injuries.

Emergency crews from the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene around 4:22 a.m. following reports of a canal bank collapse. The sinkhole, measuring approximately 50 meters by 50 meters, quickly expanded as water drained from the canal and flooded surrounding land. Two narrowboats fell into the breach, while a third remained perched on the edge of the steep drop. Firefighters worked in challenging conditions, navigating unstable ground and fast-moving water to evacuate those on board and assist nearby residents.

By 5:17 a.m., authorities had escalated the response to a major incident, coordinated through the Shropshire Tactical Coordination Group. Six fire crews established safety zones upstream and downstream along the canal and used barge boards and water gate systems to mitigate the flow of water. More than 10 individuals were safely rescued from the affected boats, and approximately 12 residents from moored...