Breaking News: Crews Rescue Stranded Boat on Brink of Canal Collapse
A narrowboat, the Pacemaker, has been pulled to safety after it teetered on the edge of a giant hole in the Llangollen Canal in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The boat, home to Paul Stowe and his family, was rescued at 22:00 on Tuesday using a specialist winch operation.
The family, including Paul's wife, son, and two cats, escaped the boat barefoot at 04:10 GMT on Tuesday after hearing rushing water equivalent to Niagara Falls. The boat was perilously close to falling into the 10-meter-deep hole, which opened up on Monday due to an embankment failure.
The Llangollen Canal has been closed since Monday, and water was pumped into dammed sections overnight to stabilize the area. The Canal and River Trust worked with Shropshire Council to create a safe environment for the rescue operation.
The Pacemaker is now safely located next to the lift bridge, and it will be refloated in the new year when a dam is constructed beyond the boat. The family will be able to return to their home once the canal is safe.
This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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