Anglers Warn of Danger Currents on River Trent

Taking a small boat out on the River Trent is tantamount to a death sentence, anglers warned today.

Following the suspected drowning of 40-year-old Alan Ritchie, regular Trent users have warned against the risks of the river’s currents.

Angler Mick Dent (63), who travels from Scunthorpe to fish on the banks of the river, said: “This river can catch you out in areas with just how fast the water can come in and recede at the banks.

“There are loads of places near Dunham Bridge that I would like to go out to, but unless you have a very strong boat, you run the risk of not being able to power through the water.

“You certainly wouldn’t get out of the boat and go into the river, because although it looks calm, there is a very strong current sitting just under the top.”

Mr Ritchie, who is believed to have worked at the Counterpoint music shop, in Grantham Street, Lincoln, had been missing since Wednesday.

He had jumped out of his boat into the water in a bid to free the vessel from a sand bank.

His 69-year-old father, who was also in the boat, had thrown a life ring to his son, but he did not resurface.

Although no formal identification had been made, police say they had called off rescue efforts.

Users of yachting and boating forum www.ybw.com have been posting warnings about the Trent following the incident.

One forum user said: “It flows really fast there due to shoals near the downside of the bridge.

“It is a case for life-jackets on the tidal waterways and we always put ours on.

“I can’t believe how many people die on these local rivers. It’s a tragic reminder of how one small mistake can cost you your life.”

Writing on the Echo website, a man calling himself Jason O, witnessed the initial search: “I was at Dunham Bridge with my father. We had arrived there to fish but due to my dad being an experienced fisherman, he stated that the water was running too rapidly.

“We were going to fish at the spot on the corner where the man went into the water. When we arrived there was a sandy bank so we decided to move down river to fish at Torksey.

“While fishing we heard all the sirens and low-flying helicopters. The river bailiff told us to keep an eye out for a possible body.”

Police say they are expecting to make a formal identification today.

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