Duckling blocks water pipe

By Athena Stavrou via SWNS

Water engineers investigating a blocked pipe discovered the culprit - a little duck.

Staff at Wessex Water in the UK were surprised to find the duckling during a recent routine inspection in the city of Bristol.

Environment and Flooding Protection staff surveying a sewer spotted the duck with a robotic camera along an underground pipe.

The equipment had remotely negotiated its way through the sewer that carries rainwater underground.

During its route, it intercepted a lone duckling waddling around inside.

The intruder, believed to be on the hunt for algae to eat, was spotted offering a quizzical look straight down the lens.

It is thought to have wandered into the pipe from a nearby access point.

The Wessex Water team made sure their new feathered friend could safely leave the pipe unharmed and continue on its way.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “Our survey teams have come across a variety of blockages when regularly inspecting our foul and rainwater sewers – but this was one of the more unusual ones.

“It’s often masses of wet wipes that are discovered, which cause blockages that can put homes and the environment at risk of pollution.

“In this case, however, it was more of a moving impediment and, thankfully, our team was able to help the duck back above ground safely and none the worse for her escapade.’’