Drivers on the M25 faced major delays today after a boat capsized on the motorway, causing severe congestion and hours of traffic disruption.
The incident occurred around 4:30 PM when a trailer carrying the vessel overturned while heading anticlockwise between junctions 10 (Wisley) and 9 (Leatherhead). The boat was left sprawled on its side across the carriageway, leading to the closure of three out of four lanes.
Traffic Delays and Recovery Efforts
A specialist recovery team was dispatched to the scene, but with only one lane remaining open, traffic quickly built up. National Highways confirmed that 10 miles of congestion had formed, stretching back to junction 12 (M3), leading to delays of over two hours for motorists.
A National Highways spokesperson said: “Specialist recovery for the boat (which was on the trailer that overturned) is now at the scene. One lane remains open. At the moment, I don’t have a definite re-opening time for all lanes.”
The clockwise carriageway was also experiencing slow-moving traffic due to onlookers causing additional delays.
Images Show Boat on Its Side
Photos released by National Highways show the boat lying on its side, partially obstructing lanes, while recovery crews worked to clear the debris. No injuries have been reported, and it remains unclear what caused the trailer to overturn.
Driver Reactions and Safety Warnings
Motorists took to social media to express their frustrations, with some stuck in traffic for hours. “I’ve been crawling along for over 90 minutes — all because of a boat on the motorway,” one driver tweeted.
Authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area where possible and are advising commuters to plan alternative routes until the motorway is fully cleared.
National Highways also issued a safety reminder for drivers transporting large loads to ensure that trailers and heavy cargo are securely fastened before travel.
No Timeline for Full Reopening
As of now, there is no confirmed time for when all lanes will reopen. Drivers are encouraged to check live traffic updates before heading out.
The incident follows a string of recent disruptions on the M25, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by commuters on one of the UK’s busiest motorways.
