THERE was some commotion at Bude Sea Lock recently, when the narrowboat, Orbis, became stuck in the low tide when trying to leave for Bristol.

On Thursday, April 20, Vicki and Lee Bond were planning on heading back to Bristol after spending a year moored up at Bude Canal, but their narrowboat, Orbis, became beached on a sand bar on its way out of the lock.

At the couple’s request, the harbour master tried releasing the sluices to help move the boat on, but the surge, along with Lee Bond trying to steer the boat left and right, caused the stern starboard to back against the lock wall and get stuck, possibly damaging the propeller.

The damage was assessed the following day, with the possibility of needed repairs.