A BOAT has been spotted sinking into the River Thames again.

'Lady Doris' was spotted by a local resident near Iffley Lock for the second time this year.

The Environment Agency said the pollution risk from the boat is minimal, however, booms were put in place as a precaution to stop any possible spills.

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The agency has also spoken to the owner about how the boat could be recovered.

An Environment Agency spokesman added: “Sunken boats are the owners’ responsibility.

"We may intervene if a boat is presenting a significant hazard, flood-risk or causing pollution.

"We would look to recover the full cost of the operation from the boat owner.

“We ask anyone who spots pollution or a potential blockage in a river to contact us on our 24-hour hotline: 0800 80 70 60.”

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Lady Doris is one of several boats that have been spotted sinking near Iffley Lock in the past 12 months.

Last October a sinking speed boat had to be pulled out of the water by the Oxford Cruisers company and the Environment Agency due to concerns about the environmental impact the sinking baot would have on the water.