DistantNews
Support us
🇧🇪 Belgium /Environment & Climate

Couple's Houseboat Stuck on Riverbed Due to Low Water Levels in Belgium

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A couple living on a houseboat in Merkem, Belgium, is experiencing difficulties due to a prolonged period of low water levels.
  • Their boat is now resting on the riverbed, causing practical issues like waste water not draining properly.
  • Despite the challenges, the couple remains optimistic and committed to living on their houseboat.

A couple living on a houseboat in Merkem, Belgium, is facing unexpected challenges as a prolonged period of low water levels has caused their dream home to become stuck on the riverbed. Johnathan, 39, and Valerie, 34, purchased the 38-meter-long houseboat, named 'Omnis Caro Foenum,' last December, envisioning a life on the water. However, after just eight months, the boat is now resting at an angle on the bottom of the canal.

We see the water level dropping further and further. We've been on the bottom for over six weeks now. We are really lying at an angle on the water.

— JohnathanDescribing the current situation with their houseboat stuck on the riverbed.

"We see the water level dropping further and further," Johnathan stated. "We've been on the bottom for over six weeks now. We are really lying at an angle on the water." While the risk of capsizing seems small, Johnathan acknowledged the situation could become "unlivable" if the boat tilts further. They are currently taking things "day by day."

Valerie highlighted the practical inconveniences, explaining that waste water is not draining correctly due to the boat's tilt. They are exploring methods to manage their wastewater, currently pumping and filtering it before releasing it into the canal. Adjustments were also made to the boat's access plank, which had become too short because of the low water level.

Currently we are experiencing a number of practical inconveniences. Our waste water is not draining well, because the boat is not only tilted but also leaning backwards.

— ValerieExplaining the daily challenges caused by the houseboat's position.

Despite these difficulties, the couple maintains a positive outlook. "It's not ideal, but we accept it. Those are the risks of living on a boat," Valerie said. They have no regrets about their purchase and are working to renovate and repair the vessel, which has been unable to sail for years. They remain committed to their location, citing its beautiful natural setting, and believe dredging might be the only solution to their predicament.

It's not ideal, but we accept it. Those are the risks of living on a boat. We have no regrets about our purchase.

— ValerieExpressing their continued commitment to living on the houseboat despite the difficulties.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog