WATCH: Wreck removed from River Itchen boat graveyard

Wrecks "littered up and down" the River Itchen near Northam Bridge have been branded an "eyesore" by many local residents.

But now, Associated British Ports (ABP), which manages the area, has begun clearing up the "boat graveyard" to create an area "people take pleasure in seeing".

The Daily Echo was invited to watch the removal of one of the boats and speak to ABP harbour master Steve Masters.

READ MORE: Calls for boats 'littered' down River Itchen in Southampton to be removed quicker

“Our vision for the area is a place local people take pleasure in seeing,” said Steve. 

“We will create new moorings and work with our partners to support an environment the city can be proud of.”

Workers from ABP remove a boat near Northam Bridge

Steve explained that it was a "long and drawn-out process" to remove the wrecks from the water due to the steps that need to be taken before the boats can be cleared.

These steps include appointing a contractor, completing a risk assessment for each of the boats, and processing permit applications.

READ MORE: Southampton's 'boat graveyard' one step closer to being cleared, officials say

Once this process is completed, the wrecks can then be removed.

Steve told how work is underway to remove 12 wrecks over three weeks.

He said: "The progress this year has been very good.

"Some of those wrecks are old, small yachts and small dinghies.

"Others have included a very big, old houseboat in the middle of the river that has just been removed last week, which I think was something that would have been quite an eyesore for people coming in and out of Southampton for some time."

To remove the boats, first divers must secure the wrecks before they are moved into position next to the barge.

A small "cordon" area is set up using an inflatable tube to stop any debris from floating away.

Then, a digger is used to break up the wreck and lift it into skips on the barge to be disposed of safely.

READ MORE: How port workers having been cleaning up Southampton's boat graveyard - in pictures

Workers from ABP remove a boat near Northam Bridge

For years, residents have branded this area of the river "eyesore" with many calling on more to be done to clear the area. 

James Wardle, of St Denys Boat Club, previously raised concerns about newcomers and the impression the boats near Northam Bridge give off and called for the river to be cleared sooner.

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