Pictures show historic barges marooned as high tides flood Maldon’s Hythe Quay

By Ben Shahrabi

25th Mar 2023 | Local News

Thames Sailing Barge Trust volunteers were among those left stranded when high tides lifted several vessels onto Hythe Quay, Maldon, on Thursday (March 23).

Volunteers working on the historic sailing barge Pudge found themselves stuck aboard for an hour and a half when the quay flooded, at midday. Fortunately, most had packed lunches to tide them over (no pun intended) until they could safely disembark.

Barge Trust volunteer Jill Palmer Swift told Nub News she and 16 others had been helping to restore the Thames sailing barge Pudge, to get her ready to sail in late April.

She said: "We were warned to expect a high tide, but we were alright because everybody had their sandwiches. We weren't going to go hungry – and we've got tea on board!"

The flood meant visitors could not walk along the quay - unless they were wearing waders. (Photo: Nub News)

However, as there was no water in the toilets (or 'heads'), nobody could use the bathroom. One of the skippers warned volunteers they had just ten minutes to avail themselves before the water would be over the bottom of the gangway.

Jill continued: "We had to rush to the municipal toilets. By the time the last person got back on board, the water was washing at the bottom of the gangplank!

"You often get high tides or bad weather around the Equinox, which of course we're getting at the moment. But we were able to carry on working as normal because we were all on board, as if we were sailing. "

The George Smeed and other vessels were also marooned on the quay. (Photo: Nub News)

Some regulars had parked their cars on the quayside, which may have been too close for comfort for many.

The Thames Sailing Barge Trust's two barges, Pudge and Centaur, are moored up at the Hythe. Crews are getting them ready to sail this summer.

Earlier this month, the Trust celebrated its 75th anniversary. It works to preserve its two Thames barges in sailing condition, to benefit the public and to pass on the skills required to sail them.

To learn more about the Thames Sailing Barge Trust, visit the website.