PROTRUDING brickwork did not cause a narrowboat to become stuck in a lock an investigation has revealed.

The boat, called Abigail, ended up stranded overnight with its bow sticking in the air and its stern on the bottom after getting into trouble at lock 14 near Offerton Lane.

Holidaymakers travelling along the waterways were forced to moor up wait for a crane to clear the boat.

British Waterways staff also had to drain part of the Worcester and Birmingham canal to prevent more water from entering the vessel.

At the time, David Miller, who was operating the lock while his friend steered the boat, said he thought water had started to pour in after the side of Abigail was caught on a piece of protruding brickwork.

However, a British Waterways spokeswoman said the organisation had carried out a full investigation into the incident on Wednesday, July 9.

She said: “The conclusion of the report is that brickwork in the lock was not protruding or in such condition to have been the cause of the incident. Using information from engineer reports, photographs and an eyewitness statement, it is considered the most likely cause of the incident was that the crew of the boat concerned, regrettably, did not manage the locking appropriately.

“British Waterways is confident the lock remains in sound condition and is safe for boaters to continue using in accordance with good practice.”