EastEnders legend Sid Owen SINKS £30k boat in drunken crash into overhanging tree just days after buying it
EASTENDERS legend Sid Owen sank his boat after drunkenly crashing it into an overhanging tree.
The Ricky Butcher actor and a pal paid £30,000 for the second-hand pleasure cruiser days earlier, with plans to rent it out for “VIP tours” hosted by him.
But on his first outing on the 33ft vessel, named Rolling on the River, he ran into trouble and began taking on water — forcing him to abandon ship and flee the scene.
Onlookers at a nearby marina on the River Thames in West London say he appeared to have been drinking heavily, with sources close to Sid confirming he had been boozing during the day.
Footage shows the boat, worth £115,000 new, slumped deep in the river, with water pouring into its lower deck and also flooding its engines.
Sources say it has a huge hole in the hull and is “a total write-off”.
One witness said: “The boat hit something, it looked like an overhanging tree, and there was an almighty banging noise.
“Next thing, the boat has run aground completely close to the river bank and someone was climbing out — I couldn’t believe it when I realised who it was.
“He’s very recognisable, and I just knew him straight away as Ricky from EastEnders. It looked as though he’d had a few beers — and he didn’t stick around to deal with it. He was quickly on his way!”
Sid faces a hefty bill to have the boat removed from the water.
Environment Agency officials issue large fines for leaving semi-submerged vessels in the river.
Twice-married Sid, 54, who has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and I’m A Celebrity, first joined the BBC1 soap in 1988 and has had several stints in the role, last exiting in 2023.
His Ricky character is known for his relationship with Bianca Jackson, who was played by Patsy Palmer, 53, and was notorious for shouting “Rickaaaaaaay!” at him.
Sid has also released a cook book and has appeared on Celebrity MasterChef.
An Instagram profile for the boat advertising its rental services features a picture of the actor with the caption “Your Host”.
Other images show it moored close to Richmond Bridge.
