Couple "devastated" as narrowboat sank in high water

A couple say they are devasted after their narrowboat sank in high water caused by the recent rain.

Carolann and Trevor Forman found the boat "The Merlot" almost completely submerged Thurmaston Marina in Leicester after returning from a funeral in Wales.

The boat had been moored with its front nearest to the marina wall. Water levels in the marina rose so high that the rope buffer became hooked onto the top of the wall.

When water levels dropped, the front of the boat remained attached to the wall, but forcing the rear into the water which then flooded the entire boat.

Yesterday the water was pumped out and the narrowboat was re-floated, but the couple say almost everything they own has been destroyed.

Carolann and Trevor are picking through their belongings to see if anything can be saved.

Insurance inspectors are due to assess the damage next week, but it is possible the inside of the boat may have to be completely rebuilt.