Boaters warned of shallow water

Marker posts are helping boat users avoid the area

Boat users on the Norfolk Broads have been warned about shallow water that has appeared in a navigation channel.

The shallow water means there is a risk that boats could become stranded on a mud flat on Breydon Water, Great Yarmouth Port Authority said.

The Broads Authority said it was aware of boats running aground and warning signs had been put in place.

But the owners of nearby Goodchild Marina, said the only solution was for the Port Authority to dredge the area.

In an official notice the Port Authority said: "Mariners navigating in a westerly direction across Breydon Water area advised to leave posts seven to 11 at least 10m starboard and to proceed with caution.

"Mariners navigating in the opposite direction towards Breydon Bridge are advised to keep well over towards the red posts where there is ample water in order to give room to vessels navigating in the opposite direction."

'Got stuck'

The Broads Authority, which patrols Breydon Water said the shallows had caused a few boats to run aground.

Head navigation ranger Adrian Vernon said: "It's a mud bank that seems to have grown.

"This year we've looked at the figures we've got and it's been reported that a couple of people have got stuck on it and three or four people have touched it as they've gone past.

"The Port have been dealing with it, and are still dealing with it, but we haven't found it a major problem."

But Sue Goodchild, from Goodchild Marine Services, said moving the navigation markers, and narrowing the channel, was not the long-term solution.

She added: "I don't know, other than dredging, how you'll stop that happening because you can't keep reducing the channel by moving the posts in because there will be no channel."