A NARROWBOAT moored in Upton-upon-Severn sank after becoming partially marooned on the steps.

The boat was attached to moorings by the steps opposite yhe Plough pub, but as the river level dropped on Thursday its bow became wedged on the bottom step and the stern was in the water.

When it finally moved off the step at 7.15pm it sank, leaving only the roof visible to passers-by.

Dave Walker, team manager for Mercia Rescue, said: "We had planned to go out and help, but with the flow of the river the boat decided to do its own thing and came off the step. It slipped straight off and went backwards. The stern slipped underwater completely like a submarine.

"It was a case of underestimating the river. The boat should have been on the floating pontoons which go up and down with the river."

It is believed the owner lives in Malvern and uses the narrowboat for leisure. He had been trying to move the boat off the steps all day but had got a flat battery in the process and was unable to do anything.