FIRE crews battled to save a narrowboat which became trapped in strong currents last night.
The boat became stuck between two banks on the River Thames, near Osney Island, at about 6pm.
As fast-flowing water caused by recent heavy rain poured into it through bilge holes, it was in danger of capsizing.
A couple and their eight-week-old daughter living on the narrowboat jumped to safety on to the riverbank.
The 33-year-old owner, who did not want to be named, said: "The currents were too strong and it took me broadside. It was impossible to stop it."
Two fire crews and a rescue boat battled for almost an hour with winches and ropes to prevent the boat sinking.
Station manager John Nixon said: "It was a long drawn out process. The boat was stuck in strong currents and it was a race against time."
Paul Smith, of the Environment Agency, issued a warning to all canal boats to be aware of the the strong currents in Oxfordshire's rivers.
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