Sunken car forces ferry to remain closed

A vehicle submerged under water and lodged under the chains of Reedham Ferry where the ferry docks onto the quayside. Reedham Ferry stranded on the opposite side of the river from the vehicle. Picture: James Bass Photography (Image: James Bass Photography)

Norfolk's only remaining vehicle ferry was forced to close yesterday, after a vehicle plunged into the water at the Reedham Ferry crossing point.

The ferry, which has been running since the 17th century, could not operate given a Landrover had sunk into the river.

The circumstances under which this happened are not yet confirmed.

A spokesperson for the Norfolk Police said: 'Enquiries are ongoing as to how this incident occurred.'

The ferry's owner, David Archer, said: 'We're looking at various options as to how to get the car out, but it's all a bit of a mystery at the moment.

'We're still out of action for the time being, we've lost a full day's trading and tomorrow potentially.

'The last time we had to close like this was last January.'

His sentiments were echoed by the Broadlands MP, Mr Keith Simpson, who said: 'I imagine the various agencies which are working together will be wanting to assess the situation, the first criteria in their mind will be safety. That's the most important thing.

'I know that the ferry wouldn't be shut without safety being the utmost thought in the agencies mind.

'I'm aware of the importance of the ferry to not only the local people, but also anyone trying to get between Norwich and Yarmouth. Hopefully it won't be shut for more than 24 hours.'

The ferry is the crossing point for vehicles across the River Yare, acting as one of the vital connections between the city of Norwich, and Great Yarmouth.

The ferry which currently operates at the crossing was build in 1984, and is serving the third of three generations of the Archer family, who own and run the Ferry service.