A MAN in his 40s has died after a narrowboat sank as it went through a lock on the Droitwich Junction Canal.
The incident happened at 11.20am at Lock 5, off the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.
The emergency services were called at 11.20am this morning (Monday) and fire and ambulance crews attended.
The lock was drained and firefighters got on board the boat to bring the man out but despite their best efforts and advanced life support by West Midlands Ambulance staff it was not possible to save him.
He was confirmed dead at the scene.
An elderly woman who had managed to get off the narrowboat was assessed by ambulance staff. She was left with police officers.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a doctor on board and the Hazardous Area Response Team were sent to the scene.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said officers were sent to the scene near Droitwich Rugby Club at 11.30am on Monday after concerns for the safety of the man.
He added another man and a woman who were also on the boat both received precautionary treatment and the man’s next of kin had been informed.
