Narrowboat family still stuck after canal collapse
BBCA family of narrowboat enthusiasts are among those still waiting for their vessels to be lifted clear after a canal collapsed.
A large hole appeared in the side of the Llangollen Canal near Whitchurch, Shropshire on 22 December, causing all its water to drain out into a nearby field.
Two boats fell into the hole and others became trapped when sections of the canal had to be closed off. On Sunday, it was revealed that the repairs will cost millions of pounds and take most of 2026 to be carried out.
Diane Taylor, who has been touring Britain's canals for five years, said her family's rescue was likely to cost nearly £5,000 to get their two boats winched to an unaffected section of canal.
Her son has been documenting their journeys on his YouTube channel - Taylors Aboard a Narrowboat.
They are stuck on the Llangollen canal close to Whitchurch along with her daughter, who also has a narrowboat and travels with her partner and their 20-month-old son.
Because both boats are 21m (70ft) long, she said they would need a large crane and a special lorry with escort, to move them to another section of canal.
The family has experienced a lot of things on their travels, but she said: "We've never been transported on a road, so it will be an experience."
She thanked staff at Whitchurch marina for their help and said the team was dealing with "quite a list of people who want to try and get off".
Five boats were ready to go now, she said, but it would cost her family £2,240 per boat, even with a discount arranged by the marina.
Their insurance will not cover the move, because, as she put it: "We have a choice, we can stay here."
The family said they were "not comfortable" with the idea of an online fundraising appeal to cover the costs, but they have invited their YouTube followers to make small donations.
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