Sunken boats on the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads more than double

The Broads Authority has had to take action to stop sunken vessels becoming a danger to others

A winter of storms and flooding has caused the number of sunken boats on the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads to more than double.

There have been 10 wrecks this winter compared to four last year.

Five remain submerged but are not causing a navigation risk. Others have required action from the Broads Authority to prevent them being a danger to other boat users.

Yachts, motor cruisers and barges are among the those that have sunk.

John Packman, chief executive of the Broads Authority, revealed the recent extreme weather conditions had led to the rise in the number of wrecks, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The wrecks are littered across the Broads at sites including on the River Yare in Reedham and Thorpe, the Stalham Cut on the Ant, and near Cow Tower in Norwich on the Wensum.

A number have sunk while tied up to their moorings, after being lifted up by high water and then getting stuck on the quayside. As the water recedes, the boats tip over and fill with water.

In a report, Mr Packman said: "The authority has needed to act quickly in a couple of cases, using our powers to remove vessels before they became a greater hazard to navigation."

The Broads Authority said it was under increasing pressure to cope with the impact of climate change, sea level rises and increased rainfall on the waterways.