Firefighters called out to sinking barge on canal

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Emergency services were scrambled to the canal in Manchester today after reports of a sinking barge. Firefighters and specialist rescue units were called to Redhill Street in Ancoats at around 2pm after reports from the Rochdale Canal of a 'partially submerged barge'.

The barge was searched, according to the fire service, and no one was on board. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said it was being used for storage only.

The owner has been contacted and is arranging recovery, added GMFRS. There have been no reports of any injuries. READ MORE: 'It’s horrible out here...

we moved as people were smoking spice' - Waking up on on the streets of Manchester on Christmas Day READ MORE: The best Boxing Day walks in and around Greater Manchester A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At around 2pm today, firefighters were called to reports of a partially submerged barge on the Rochdale Canal at Redhill Street, Ancoats. "Two fire engines from Manchester Central and Blackley fire stations, along with the water incident unit from Eccles and the tactical response unit from Ashton fire station, quickly arrived at the scene. "Firefighters carried out a search of the barge which was confirmed to be unoccupied.