Lock 19, Old Ford Lock

Completed: The River Canal Rescue team have removed the blockage successfully and the lock is operational again.

Type: Navigation Closure

Waterway(s): Lee Navigation

From: 12 April 2026, 1:35pm

To: 16 April 2026, 2:53pm inclusive

Region: London and South East

Reason: Boating Incident

Subject to review on: 17 April 2026

Location

Closest waterway	Lee Navigation
Starts at	Lock 19, Old Ford Lock, Eastern Side
Ends at	Lock 19, Old Ford Lock, Eastern Side
Upstream winding hole	Entrance to Hertford Union Canal
Downstream winding hole	Entrance to Old River Lee immediate below Old Ford Lock

Descriptions

Update 16 April 2026, 1:04pm

The River Canal Rescue team attended the situation and require additional time in order to remove the blockage. This notice will be updated as soon as additional information is available. Thank you for your continued understanding and patience.

Update 15 April 2026, 3:07pm

The blockage is due to be removed by River Canal Rescue tomorrow.

We will update this notice accordingly once they've attended.

Update 14 April 2026, 8:43am

Please be advised that the lock remains closed until our team can remove the obstruction.

Please use alternate route via the Hertford Union or the Limehouse Cut.

Original 12 April 2026, 1:42pm

Lock is currently closed due to a submerged obstruction caused by a sunken craft located adjacent to the downstream lock gates.