Home / Disasters and Accidents / Shropshire Canal Gapes Open: Boats Rescued from Giant Sinkhole
Shropshire Canal Gapes Open: Boats Rescued from Giant Sinkhole
22 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A massive 164ft by 164ft sinkhole unexpectedly opened in a Shropshire canal.
- Emergency services rescued over ten people from three boats caught in the breach.
- The situation was stable by Monday morning with no reported injuries.
A significant sinkhole, measuring 164ft by 164ft, unexpectedly opened in the Shropshire Union Canal near Drawbridge, Chemistry, leading to a major incident declaration by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Emergency crews were called early Monday morning and successfully rescued over ten individuals from three boats that became trapped by the breach. Difficult conditions, including unstable ground and fast-moving water, characterized the initial response, but the situation was stabilized by Monday morning with reduced water flow.
Multi-agency partners, including police, ambulance services, and environmental agencies, are now focused on managing the environmental consequences, securing nearby properties, and ensuring public safety in the affected area.
