Strong winds force narrowboat onto sandbank

Three fire crews were called to a stretch of river after high winds pushed a narrowboat onto sandbanks.

The emergency services, along with their rescue boat, were called to the River Great Ouse at Salters Lode where a narrowboat had become stranded. One person on board was helped to the banks with a ladder.

Two fire crews from King's Lynn and one from Downham Market were called at around 1.30pm today.

'It was very strong wind and the tide was low and it seemed that he got blown onto a sandbank,' said watch manager Clive Bush, of Lynn station.

The boat was believed to be undamaged and is due to be re-floated on tonight's high tide which is due around 10.30pm.