Emergency services have declared a major incident after a large sinkhole caused a significant breach of the Shropshire Union Canal in Whitchurch, Shropshire, leaving several narrow boats stranded and forcing the rescue of ten people.
Early Morning Breach Triggers Major Response
The incident began in the early hours of Monday 22 December 2025. Fire Control received the first reports at 4.22am of a canal bank collapse in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch, with large volumes of water escaping onto the surrounding land.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service described it as a "significant breach." Crews from Whitchurch, Prees, Shrewsbury, Newport, Albrighton, and Telford were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Challenging Rescue Operation
Firefighters arrived to find three narrow boats caught in a developing sinkhole approximately 50 metres by 50 metres in size. Working in challenging conditions with unstable ground and fast-moving water, crews successfully helped more than ten members of the public to safety.
Scott Hurford, Fire Service Area Manager, confirmed: "We can confirm no persons are believed to be on board the affected canal boats, and no injuries have been reported."
Emergency teams established upstream and downstream safety sectors and worked to mitigate the water flow using barge boards and water gate systems.
Multi-Agency Effort and Ongoing Impact
A major incident was formally declared at 5.17am. The response is being coordinated through the Shropshire Tactical Co-ordination Group, involving a wide range of partners including:
- West Mercia Police
- West Midlands Ambulance Service
- The Canal & River Trust
- The Environment Agency
- Local authority emergency planning officers
- National Resilience assets
By 8.30am, the situation was reported as stable with water flow reduced, and all search and rescue activity concluded. Approximately 12 residents from nearby moored boats have been relocated to a welfare centre set up at the former Whitchurch Police Station.
The focus has now shifted to managing the environmental impact, protecting nearby properties, and ensuring public safety. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area while the complex operation continues.
