A BOAT stranded on the River Thames for more than two weeks was removed yesterday.

The Hertford had been stuck under Folly Bridge in Oxford since a torrential downpour on Friday, July 20. It was trapped against the bank and a wall after a strong current and high winds took it off course while it was being moved down the river.

River waters remained too high to safely remove the 40ft craft, half submerged next to the back garden of Swan Cottage, an island on the river.

But yesterday the boat was towed to safety in a two-hour operation.

Charlie Bruns, owner of College Cruisers, which hires out the vessel, said: "We haven't had a chance to fully assess it yet.

"It has been half under the water for a week. It will be salvageable.

"It's just a question of how much and how quick."

Chris Turner, of Swan Cottage, said: "We're relieved it's gone. It's been a worry because of the possibility of it breaking away."