THE disabled traveller marooned in his boat on a sandbank at Linton Lock, near York, was on his way again today after water levels rose enough to release his craft.

The man, thought to be a New Zealander called Tom, had been stranded in his boat for nearly three weeks after sailing into the sandbank.

Ian Fuller, owner of Linton Lock Leisureways, on the opposite side of the river, said: "British Waterways had been monitoring the situation carefully and had spoken to the Environment Agency about the river levels.

"They saw a window of opportunity to try and get the gentleman off the sandbank and their attempt to move the boat was successful.

"The water was nearly up to the same level it was when he got stuck."

Tom, who told the Evening Press he did not want to comment, was believed to be continuing his travels down river today.

Mr Fuller said: "People have been turning up since he got stuck and following the story in the Press.

"There has been an awful lot of interest created."

He said they had helped out by buying food supplies then asking boaters to take them across to the boat.

The sandbank last hit the headlines when it was used as a resting spot for Sammy the Seal who made a home for himself at the lock earlier this year.

Updated: 11:43 Thursday, May 23, 2002