Two friends were stranded on a Narrowboat after thugs opened the locks and drained the water.

The owner of the boat Malachy Murray, 39, and friend 32-year-old Mark Cooper were travelling on the Ashton canal in Manchester.

The pair had just gone under a bridge when a group of 20 yobs surrounded them and demanded money.

Malachy and Mark refused and gang starting opened the lock gates, emptying the water and leaving the Narrowboat, named ‘Albert’, grounded and listing.

Describing the ordeal in the Manchester Evening Post, Malachy said: “They started spitting at us from a bridge and then approached us from the bank. They started saying they wanted money for mooring up overnight. Then they started letting out all the water.
“Mark was on the bank and they chased him. They were going to beat him for the money. He was missing for an hour. I couldn’t get the boat to the bank. The canal was empty and full of junk. I just have concern for other people who may go along the canal. This shouldn’t be allowed to happen.”

The pair spent a terrifying night, fearing that the yobs would return. Luckily the group only returned once in the early hours to open yet more locks and did not cause the pair any physical harm.

The next day Malachy and Mark were able to close the gates themselves, but was several hours before the lock was refilled and they were able to navigate the boat away.

Not ones to be put off by the night’s events, Malachy and Mark decided to continue their Narrowboat holiday.

Luckily incidents like this one are rare. However if you enjoy taking the waters in a Canal or Narrow boat it is important to take out insurance. E&L offers comprehensive cover for a range of narrowboats (up to a maximum length of 80ft) used in UK waterways. We offer cover for: fire, theft, Salvage Charges, Pollution and Sighting Costs, Wreck Removal and more. Visit www.eandl.co.uk/boat/canal-and-narrowboat-insurance for a quotation and a 10% online discount.

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