A BRIDGE/LOCK TOO FAR

Upon arrival at Veurne there is perhaps a unique lock. Whilst the lock does not do very much as the levels on either side are often the same, it stops surges, floods etc. The unique part is that in the 'centre' of the lock is a horizontal swing bridge as in the photograph. This is normally across the lock for pedestrians and cyclists. Many locks have this but NOT across the centre of the lock. They are normally outside the lock gates. We entered the lock. The gates closed behind us. We waited and waited. The forward gates did not open. The level change was virtually zero. Eventually things started to move.

The lock gates open with the bridge across the lock.

Unfortunately what moved was not the forward gates opening but the swing bridge opening onto Soraya. Margaret was close to the opening bridge. I screamed 'the bridge is opening'.... 'what'....'look out the bridge is opening'.... Suddenly Margaret saw the bridge!!!!!! By that time I was in full reverse and with 75 tons there is a time delay. The lock keeper saw the problem and manually put the bridge into a backward motion. Again there is a time delay. Unfortunately Margaret on reflex tried to push the bridge off Soraya's crane and got 'involved' in the action. She trapped her hand between the bridge and Soraya! With the opposing structures reversed Margaret was released. We instantly moored and the lock keeper arrived. No question, straight to hospital.

Margaret, Benedict (lock keeper) and the consultant examining the X-rays.

Into A&E, forms were filled, X-rays were done and consultants were consulted. The bottom line Margaret was very, very lucky only having severe bruising and nothing broken. It could have been a lot worse. Crushed bones? In discussion the situation was probably caused by the fact that Belgium Waterways Authority is centralising the control of various lesser used locks and moving bridges. This means automisation and the use of video cameras from a centralised location. This particular installation is currently being changed and the lock keeper was of the opinion that there was a software problem. When he instigated the opening of the forward lock gate there was a long pause then the bridge started to move. Huge trauma. It could have been a lot worse. Benedict was excellent. He drove Margaret and me to hospital, sorted out all the medical access with the staff, in Flemish and took full responsibility. Margaret was X-rayed, examined and is fine if not a bit crushed.

Have you heard of the curative powers of a glass or two of Rosé?

Well it was hot and she did have a bandage on.