Floating record store on barge sinks after getting caught on rubbish in Manchester canal

A mobile record store operating out of a canal barge in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, has sunk after it got caught on debris in a canal while heading to Manchester.

Rubber Ducky Records — founded by Myles Greenwood during the pandemic lockdowns — was heading towards Manchester when the canal boat sank on Friday April 21st — ahead of National Record Store Day (April 22nd).

The propeller became caught on either a rug or mattress, breaking the stern gland and causing the boat to sink. Thankfully, Myles was unharmed and managed to escape salvaging as many boxes of records as he could, but the rest of the stock and equipment on board was submerged.

He managed to save around three quarters of his stock but roughly 1,000 records and turntables were lost to the water, which also destroyed equipment amplifiers and electronics.

It is unclear when the store may be able to reopen, but Myles says he has not given up hope. A rescue mission has since been carried out with the canal drained and the boat pulled down a number of locks to safety.

Myles has since launched a GoFundMe campaign ‘Rubber Ducky Sank It’ to help raise the money to refit the boat. He said: “I’m stunned at the love and support so far.”

Over £6,000 of a £15,000 target has been raised at the time of writing, with the money to be used for a full re-fit of the floating shop, so that Myles can get back to business.

He said: “As you may know I’m a floating / sunken record shop. I was just about to get into my first major city of Manchester after six long weeks of battling engine issues and canal closures.

“I hit catastrophe at the last hurdle and a rug or mattress caught on the propeller and popped my stern gland. Sadly the boat sank and I lost all my records and equipment.

“I haven’t given up on the dream but she will need a full refit inside, new engine, new stock, and new equipment.

“Any donation small or large is greatly appreciated and thanks to the support of community spirit and humanity I’m actually feeling quite chipper about everything.

“Big love, Myles.”

With the help of kind passing strangers who came dashing to his assistance, Myles managed to get the barge floating again, pulling it a few locks down the canal to safety.

But there is thousands of pounds worth of repairs and replacements needed to get Rubber Ducky up and running again, though Myles remains positive it will be done.

Rubber Ducky Records focuses on pre-owned vinyl, with music ranging from house, trance and ’90s rave to techno and breaks.

The idea of a floating shop came to Myles while he was wandering around the canal systems of Northern England while the country was in lockdown. 

You can help by donating here.