The Environment Agency is on course to remove over 100 sunk and
abandoned vessels from the non-tidal Thames in its biggest push
in a decade on tidying up the watercourse. The work has been
spearheaded by a newly created task force whose mission is to
deal with some of the long-standing challenges that the Thames
faces. This includes old and discarded boats as well as those
that are unregistered or left at unauthorised moorings.
So far this year it has already removed 53 abandoned boats that
were mostly left on riverbanks on the lower part of the river.
This latest operation is to focus on the remaining sunk and
abandoned boats across the non-tidal Thames.
Environment Agency Navigation Operations Deputy Director Bill
Jephson said:
Irresponsible boat owners have caused a blight on the Thames for
far too long. We know the impact these boats can have on river
users and local residents. It's time to start with a clean slate.
Sunk, wrecked or abandoned, they've got to go.
It is actually the owner's responsibility to remove their sunken
wrecks and where owners can be identified, the Environment Agency
will look to recover costs.
Boats on the river need to be registered and comply with the
Environment Agency's requirements including insurance and a valid
boat safety certificate. Owners are given ample opportunity to
register. It's easy to do and full information and fee details
are online at www.gov.uk/register-a-boat
Jephson continued:
Our approach to non-registration offences on the Thames has also
changed. While we continue to prosecute offenders through our
escalation process, we have also begun to remove boats where the
owner has previously been prosecuted and continues not to comply.
We are currently recruiting more patrol officers to clamp down
further. It's time to put pride back into the river.
The task force was established in July 2025 and it removed 35
boats from the Lower Thames over a few days of intensive action
in September 2025 and a further 18 this January.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- The Environment Agency is working with partners and riparian
landowners to enable them to remove boats as they become a
problem, improving the river environment for all.
- The Environment Agency will take proportionate action against
those who do not follow the rules and recover costs where it is
possible.
- As the task force operation continues, the Environment Agency
will be working with the police and Local Authorities to ensure
the removals continue smoothly and on schedule.
- Contractors will be supporting with disposal after the
operation.
- Over 100 boats have been removed this financial year. 35 in
September 2025, 18 in January 2026, 70 planned for March 2026.
