The owner of a unique canal boat, referred to as the Manchester Pirate Boat, found his vessel stranded after the Rochdale Canal near New Islington Marina unexpectedly drained for the second time in half a year.
Dave Marshall, a 53-year-old army veteran, woke up to discover the canal nearly empty, leaving his boat pressed against the canal wall. This incident, occurring for the second time in six months, has sparked concerns among the small community of boat owners at the marina.
Despite the canal’s sudden drainage, Dave, known for his eccentricities, ventured into the shallow waters in search of a lost wallet. Although he didn’t find the wallet, he retrieved two iPhones and a set of false teeth.
Reflecting on the situation, Dave expressed his shock at waking up to find the canal drained, emphasizing the danger it posed. The deserted canal has now become a point of interest for locals and visitors, drawing attention to the Manchester Pirate Boat and its unique decorations.
Dave, a former infantryman in the Royal Anglian Regiment, suffered an injury during his military service and later diversified his career experiences. Boat owners believe the recent drainage was caused by a repair mishap at a nearby culvert, following a previous incident in September due to a leak.
Concerns have been raised about potential hull damage and stability issues for various boat types due to the low water levels. The Canal and River Trust attributed the water shortage to the dry conditions experienced the previous year.
As water levels remain low at Islington Marina, boat owners are monitoring the situation closely to prevent any vessels from running aground.
