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Officials have said a rise in wrecks on one of Norfolk's major rivers "cannot be explained", as mystery mounts as to why so many vessels are sinking in the 'Bermuda Triangle of the Broads'. Six boats have sunk in the River Yare this year already, with two going down close to each other between Reedham and Berney Arms. Broads Authority (BA) officers have been left perplexed about what is causing the growing number of sinkings.
The boat sank near the Berney Arms windmill on the River Yare (Image: Newsquest) The situation has sparked comparisons with the Bermuda Triangle, an area in the western Atlantic Ocean notorious for the high number of aircraft and ships that have disappeared there - often under mysterious circumstances. Rob Rogers, director of operations at the BA, said he "could not explain" why the River Yare had seen a rise in wrecks. READ MORE: Broads Authority proposes boat amnesty amid wrecks crisis Divers investigate the wreck on the River Yare close to Polkey's Mill (Image: Owen Sennitt) "While we have started to pinpoint where they are, we can't say why.
Maybe it is because it is a large river and it is easier to hide them there. But it is a growing problem," he added. The discussion was sparked during a debate over proposals to introduce a boat amnesty scheme, which aims to get vessels in poor condition off the waterways before they sink.
The shipwrecks are creating a financial burden for the BA that could ultimately lead to increased toll fees next year. READ MORE: Recovery of wrecks in 'Bermuda Triangle of the Broads' could take weeks A specialist dive team is currently attempting to recover two sunken vessels from a stretch of the River Yare, between Reedham and Berney Arms. These two boats will cost £72,000 to raise, which a member described as a "staggering amount".
The River Yare looking towards Polkey's Mill and Berney Arms (Image: Owen Sennitt) La Bergere, a 66ft houseboat, is causing particular problems. The vessel, which has a concrete-filled hull, sank near historic drainage mill Polkey's Mill. READ MORE: Broads Authority gets tougher on abandoned boats after huge rise in wrecks Mr Rogers said: "As someone previously lived on board, there is so much debris flowing out of the wreck.
Cleaning it up it is an expensive busines." The houseboat is currently at the bottom of the River Yare on its side, blocking part of the channel, and is starting to roll due to the force of the river's flow. Using military-grade floats and a crane, the specialist dive team could take a fortnight or more to recover the two vessels.
Four other wrecks in the Yare have been recovered by BA staff already this year, at a cost of £4,200. Officials will seek to recover these costs from the boat owners and insurance companies..
