A dramatic scene unfolded in Shropshire, England, where a colossal sinkhole emerged in a canal, ensnaring two boats in a mire of thick mud. This unsettling development has led emergency services to label the situation a “major incident.”

The Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service shared a striking image capturing the two canal boats firmly stuck within the sinkhole, which spans approximately 50 by 50 meters. A third boat precariously tilted on the edge, further illustrating the severity of the breach.

Canal boats, known for their elongated shape, are designed to navigate the intricate network of Britain’s canals. Once integral to cargo transport, these vessels have transitioned into unique residential spaces and are also popular for leisurely pursuits.

Rescue teams were dispatched following a “significant breach” in the Shropshire Union Canal in Whitchurch, a charming market town located roughly 270 kilometers northwest of London, close to the Welsh border. This was confirmed by the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service on Monday.

The “major incident” was officially declared at 5:17 am, local time (6:17 pm AEDT), but as the day progressed, the situation was reported to have stabilized. Scott Hurford, the area manager for the service, announced that search and rescue operations had concluded.

No individuals are currently believed to be on board the affected boats and no injuries have been reported, he said.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said rescue crews had been working in challenging conditions due to unstable ground and “rapidly moving water”, but managed to bring more than 10 members of the public to safety. The service didn’t provide further information about those people.

Emergency services asked the public to avoid the area while teams continue to deal with the incident.

The Canal and River Trust, the largest canal charity in the United Kingdom, said on Monday that it was carrying out “initial investigations into the possible cause of the breach and will provide more details in due course”.

“Our teams are on site and have dammed off the affected section of (the) canal. The priority is the safety of boaters and those in the immediate area,” the charity said in a statement.