Boat left on its side after capsizing in the River Wear

Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team were first called to the area of the Shipwrights pub, under the Hylton Bridge on Thursday afternoon after reports the boat was adrift.

They managed to locate it close to the north banks at Nab End after it had beached, but with the arrival of high tide, it refloated and then drifted to the south side at Ofteron Heugh.

A spokesman for the team said: "With the harbour masters workboat - HMLWear - in attendance an attempt was made to secure the vessel to the bank on the south side.

"With the vessel still in a precarious position Sunderland Lifeboat were requested to attend.

"With their Atlantic in attendance further attempts were made to position the vessel in a suitable place.

"This proved difficult as the vessel had rested on rocks/sand below.

"The vessel was then secured fore and aft and the owner informed."

But it has now been confirmed the boat has capsized after it keeled over and came to rest on its port side near to the heugh.

The team has said the owner has been informed.