TWO boats collided in thick fog and were severely damaged at this time a century ago.

The collision was on the Severn near the Ketch Inn, at Worcester.

Berrow's Journal reported: "Last Saturday evening, a little after 8 o'clock, a sensational report to the effect that steam boats were in collision on the Severn, a short distance below the Ketch, gained currency. It was known that the employees of Messrs. Bromage and Evans, builders of Worcester, were down the river, and much anxiety prevailed as to whether the boat on which they were journeying was involved in the collision.

"It turned out that she was, but fortunately none of her passengers was seriously injured.

"Early in the day, the party left Worcester Bridge on the 'Duchess of York,' belonging to Mr George Williams of Worcester and captained by his brother, Mr Richard Williams. After spending several hours at Tewkesbury, the return journey was commenced, but a fog spread over the river. Before the Pixham Ferry at Callow End was reached, the fog had become very thick, and the night was dark.

"The captain of the 'Duchess of York' was on the look-out and frequently gave instructions to slow down. Notwithstanding this vigilance, when approaching the Ketch, the shape of another steamer loomed in the fog and nothing could be done in time to prevent a collision.

"The other boat turned out to be the 'River Queen' belonging to Mr Bathurst of Tewkesbury, a smaller boat and carrying no passengers. In the saloon of the 'Duchess of York' glasses and bottles were smashed, and the passengers became frightened. In fact, the captain of the Worcester boat is to be complimented on his presence of mind.

"The excitement among his passengers bordered on panic but his urgent appeals to preserve order had a wonderful effect. Many had been preparing to take to the water, amongst them non-swimmers, and one shrinks from imagining what might have been the result.

"Even so, the captain himself sustained a bad injury to the right leg, the thigh being torn open. After the two boats had been separated, the 'Duchess of York' was able to continue back to Worcester Bridge and land all her passengers safely. The captain was taken to the Infirmary to have his wound sewn up.

Successful

The same edition of the Journal pointed out that Worcester was then near the end of a highly successful season of river trips on the Severn for visitors and citizens alike.

"Three or four years ago, people in want of river trips had to be content with boats resembling old tubs, but there is now a fleet of more than a dozen speedy and respectable steamers on the river.

''In addition too, there are quite 250 small craft offering river trips."