Maldon District Council (MDC) has confirmed that it is investigating an incident in which a sailing barge became stranded on the mud close to Promenade Park on Sunday, 1 August.

It is reported that Hydrogen, one of a fleet of Thames barges owned by Topsail Charters, may have become stuck after the barge skipper was forced to change course to avoid swimmers competing in the Maldon Triathlon Race.

A council spokesperson said: "The triathlon has been a popular event in the District's sporting calendar for a number of years, so it is extremely disappointing to hear that an incident took place in the river. We fully appreciate the upset and inconvenience that has been caused to all involved.

"The Council will be investigating this matter with the organisers to find out exactly what happened."

The Maldon Triathlon Race involves athletes cycling into the Dengie as well as swimming in the River Blackwater.

Hydrogen, built in 1906, is the largest-surviving wooden sailing barge.

It left the quay on a scheduled day trip at around 7am on Sunday morning, with about 30 passengers on board, before ploughing into the mud shortly after - at about 7.15am.

The passengers were rescued at around 4pm by a smaller boat, the Viking Saga. They had spent roughly nine hours stranded.

Topsail Charters and the organisers of the triathlon have been approached for comment.