FIREFIGHTERS fought a three hour battle to save a cargo boat docked on the River Weaver on Thursday (From Warrington Guardian)

FIREFIGHTERS fought a three hour battle to save a cargo boat docked on the River Weaver on Thursday

The 60ft by 20ft barge was being filled with liquid calcium chloride at Brunner Mond's Winnington works when it took on 50,000 litres of water.

A spokesman for Brunner Mond said: "Due to the closure of Acton Swing Bridge the product was being transported by barge instead of ship - to Eastham in Birkenhead where it's used in the oil industry.

"The calcium chloride was being pumped into a tank on the barge when it was noticed there was something wrong, because the barge was sitting much lower in the water than it should be.

"So the liquor was pumped out again. Calcium chloride is non-hazardous so there was no risk of pollution.

"The fire brigade was called to pump out the water and all river authority regulations were followed."

Sub officer Tom Foster, from Northwich fire station, added: "Rather than them using industrial pumps, we were asked to pump the water out as it would be quicker."

The incident is believed to have been caused by structural weakness in a small section of the barge's hull.

The problem is currently being investigated by the barge's Yorkshire-based owners, KD Marine.

And while Acton Swing Bridge remains closed, barges will continue to take calcium chloride to Birkenhead to keep stocks up.

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