Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

The Great Storm

In October 1989 a great storm crossed through parts of Britain. It swept through Essex causing considerable damage to land and property. As well as many garden sheds, roof's and fences being damaged in the village, the large building on the North side of the canal Basin which was once used for the storage of timber by Brown's was severely damaged and had to be dismantled afterwards.

(above) boats leaning over heavily on both sides of the canal with damage being caused to some.

(above) boats moored along the Basin Reach were either torn off their moorings or took them with them, and were blown all the way down on to the length of the Millbeach waterfront.

(above) more of the scene of devastation.

(above) many boats were blown along the mud while the tide was out.

(above) boats were jumbled up together at the South side of the lock entrance from moorings further up river.

(above) more boats that ended up on the beach opposite the 'Millbeach Hotel', blown down from further up the Basin Reach.