This is the moment a "historic" tug boat sinks into the Thames in Brentford as a result of what boaters claim is council "neglect".
The unfortunately-named Deepwater, which is moored beside Watermans Park, off London Road, began taking on water on Tuesday (April 12) night.
It was listing badly on Friday (April 15) and people living on neighbouring houseboats claim the damage will soon be irreversible if action is not taken.
Stephen Alexander, who owns a houseboat on that stretch of the river, said Deepwater was one of three boats possessed by Hounslow Council at the beginning of April after the owner was unable to sell the vessels.
'An act of vandalism and neglect'
He said: "The boat was floating perfectly before the council took possession. This is an act of vandalism and neglect by the agents acting for the council. This should not have been allowed to happen.
"She's going to end up as a wreck on the riverbed soon if something is not done to take care of her."
Mr Alexander said he believed the boat may have been damaged when the gangplank was removed and thrown into the river beside it, after the council took possession.
He said the vessel was built around 1910 and as one of the last remaining riveted steel harbour tugs it really belonged in a museum.
Hounslow Council leader Steve Curran said: "Just over a week ago Hounslow Council acquired three boats abandoned by their previous owner. All are in very poor condition.
"Until recently, these boats were all being rented out as homes by the previous owner. Their condition highlights the council's serious concerns about the safety of some of the boats on the river and the safety of members of the public renting these houseboats.
"Hounslow Council recently took measures to prevent a group of squatters from occupying the boats. We are in discussion with the Port of London Authority (PLA) to have the vessels removed from site."
Row over marina plans
Boat owners and occupiers at the site are at loggerheads with the council over plans to remove their vessels and build a new £5.45m marina.
He also claims the vessels are powered by illegally-installed and dangerous cables, and says the council suspects raw sewage is being dumped into the river, though boaters have denied both charges.
