People forced to abandon boat after rising flood waters pin it against stone bridge

A group of people were forced to abandon their boat after it was caught in rising flood waters which had wedged it against a stonewall bridge.

Avon Fire and Rescue service was called to the Lock Keeper pub, in Keynsham, shortly before midday today (January 13) where the almost 40-foot boat was pinned against the crossing. Flood warnings have been issued across Bristol in the past 24 hours after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning on Wednesday (January 11).

Keynsham, and other areas on the outskirts of the city, has bore the brunt of the flooding with multiple roads closed due to the rising waters. Yesterday, businesses close to Old Bristol Road were forced to close due to the closure.

All people onboard were pulled from the boat with no injuries reported, a spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue said: “Crews from Hicks Gate and Bedminster were mobilised at 11:51 to reports of persons trapped on a boat due to rising floodwater. On arrival, all persons had safely self-rescued onto dryland.

“Due to the precarious position of the 38-foot boat and worsened floodwaters, firefighters secured the boat using rope and water rescue equipment. The boat is now secure, and firefighters will be leaving the scene shortly.”