A winter of storms and persistent flooding on the Norfolk Broads has caused the number of sunken boats on the waterways to more than double.

Dr John Packman, chief executive of the Broads Authority, revealed the recent extreme weather conditions had led to a rise in the number of wrecks.

It follows an exceptionally wet winter that has caused widespread flooding in many riverside villages and problems for waterfront businesses.
Eastern Daily Press: Dr John Packman, chief executive of the Broads AuthorityDr John Packman, chief executive of the Broads Authority (Image: Newsquest)

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Yachts, motor cruisers and barges are among the types of vessels that have sunk at locations across the area.

There have been ten wrecks this winter compared to just four at the same time last year.

Of the ten sunken vessels, five remain submerged but are not causing a navigation risk.

Others have required quick action from the Broads Authority to prevent the sunken vessels from posing a hazard to other boat users.

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Eastern Daily Press: Boats sinking in the Broads is not uncommon - here is a motor cruiser that began to submerge after hitting an object under water at St Olaves on the River WaveneyBoats sinking in the Broads is not uncommon - here is a motor cruiser that began to submerge after hitting an object under water at St Olaves on the River Waveney (Image: Hemsby Lifeboat)

Dr John Packman said in a report: "The high-water levels and recent storms have resulted in a high number of vessels sinking.

"The Authority has needed to act quickly in a couple of cases, using our powers to remove vessels before they became a greater hazard to navigation."

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Eastern Daily Press: High water can cause boats to sink by raising them up on to the quayside%like this boat in ReedhamHigh water can cause boats to sink by raising them up on to the quayside%like this boat in Reedham (Image: Anthony Carroll)

The shipwrecks are littered across the Broads at sites including on the River Yare in Reedham and Thorpe, the Stalham Cut on the Ant, and near Cow Tower in Norwich on the Wensum. 

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A number of vessels have sunk while tied up to their moorings, after being lifted up by high water and then getting stuck on the quayside. As the water recedes, the boats tip over and fill with water.

Persistent high water levels have become a major issue on the Broads this winter, prompting emergency meetings.

The BA has said it is under increasing pressure to cope with the impact of climate change, sea level rises and increased rainfall on the waterways.