Major incident declared after canal bank failure creates sinkhole near Whitchurch, Shropshire, UK
A major incident was declared after a canal bank collapsed on the Shropshire Union Canal (Llangollen Canal main line) near Whitchurch, Shropshire, at around 04:22 local time on December 22, 2025, triggering rapid water loss and the formation of a large sinkhole. Multiple narrowboats were affected, with at least two reported to have been pulled into the cavity.
Sinkhole and canal breach near Whitchurch Marina, Shropshire, after a bank collapse drained the Shropshire Union Canal (Llangollen line) on December 22, 2025. Credit: Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
A section of canal bank failed along the Shropshire Union Canal (Llangollen Canal main line) in the Whitchurch area of Shropshire, UK, during the early hours of December 22, resulting in a breach that drained canal water into adjacent land and caused ground collapse near the navigation. The incident occurred close to New Mills Lift Bridge in Whitchurch.
Emergency services declared a major incident after reports were received at approximately 04:22 LT. A multi-agency response was established and coordinated through the Shropshire Tactical Co-ordination Group, with public safety advice issued to avoid the affected area.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews deployed barge boards and water gates to reduce and control water movement, establishing upstream and downstream safety sectors to stabilize the site.
The collapse resulted in a sinkhole measuring approximately 50 x 50 m (164 x 164 feet). Several narrowboats were affected, with at least two confirmed to have been pulled into the sinkhole. Other vessels were left stranded or unstable along the section of the canal that was drained.
Residents living aboard boats moored near the affected stretch were assisted and relocated to a welfare center at the former Whitchurch Police Station. Reporting indicates that at least 10 people were rescued or assisted during the response, with around a dozen residents displaced as a precaution.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging members of the public to stay away from the affected area, including Whitchurch Marina, while crews and partners manage the incident.
“We can confirm no persons are believed to be on board the affected canal boats, and no injuries have been reported,” Area Response East Manager Scott Hurford said.
At the time of reporting, no official cause for the canal bank failure had been confirmed. The Canal & River Trust was reported to be assessing the damage and investigating the circumstances of the collapse.
References:
1 Major incident in Whitchurch – SFRS – December 22, 2025
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