Canal Collapses: Safety Fears Rise After Near-Tragedy

On December 22, 2025, a catastrophic breach occurred in the Llangollen Canal near Whitchurch, Shropshire. Millions of gallons of water poured out, causing a 50m long crater and collapsing the canal's embankment. Two narrowboats, Sefton and Ganymede, fell into the void, though their occupants escaped unharmed. Paul Stowe's boat, the Pacemaker, was precariously close to falling but was secured by the Canals and Rivers Trust (CRT).

This incident has amplified concerns about the safety of the UK's canal network, with a perceived increase in embankment collapses. Similar breaches occurred recently on the Bridgewater, Huddersfield, and Stover Canals. The Llangollen Canal breach is estimated to cost £2 million to repair and will likely keep the waterway closed for a year. Investigations into the exact cause are ongoing.

Experts suggest that the aging Industrial Revolution-era canal infrastructure, often lined with puddle clay, is susceptible to destabilization. Leakage, overtopping from heavy rain or human error, and drought-induced soil cracking can compromise embankment integrity. Compounding these issues is a significant reduction in funding for waterway maintenance, with the CRT reporting a real-terms decrease of over £300 million over ten years.

Despite assurances from the CRT regarding recent inspections, questions remain about the adequacy of maintenance and preparedness. The absence of readily available stop planks during the emergency at the Llangollen breach delayed crucial response efforts. Boat owners affected by the closure face significant financial burdens and uncertainty about the future safety of the waterways.