News / Bristol

Gas explosion sinks historic boat in Floating Harbour

By Bristol24/7  Monday Aug 21, 2017

A boat that took part in Winston Churchill’s funeral parade sunk within minutes after a gas canister exploded on board.

Debris was strewn around the Roehampton between the Mud Dock cafe and Prince Street bridge after the explosion at around 2pm on Sunday.

Witnesses reported hearing a “boom” and seeing two occupants of the boat being taken off on stretchers covered in blood.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

Paramedics treated two people for injuries at the scene, before they were taken to hospital. Their injuries were not life-threatening or life-changing.

After the fire brigade left, the Harbour Master team began the cleanup job and checked for any fuel leaks as a result of the explosion.

Photo by Colin Moody

Read more: In Photos: A day with the Harbour Master

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Bristol24/7 is an independent media outlet and community interest company. We're not owned by a large corporation and your contribution will help keep it this way. It will also help us grow and improve our content. By supporting us you will:
  • Support young people, charities and environmental projects in Bristol
  • Shape a Better Bristol
  • Enjoy exclusive perks
  • Comment on articles

Related articles

Choose payment frequency
Choose payment method
Credit/Debit
Apple Pay
Google Pay
By signing up to become a member you agree to our privacy policy and terms & conditions.
Fill in this form or email partnerships@bristol247.com and a member of the team will be in touch.
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning