Boat cleared from Seaburn Beach after second effort to refloat broken down vessel

Pelican became banked on the sand at Seaburn on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 11, after it suffered mechanical difficulties, with its skipper ensuring it was secure as arrangements were made to recover it.

Port of Sunderland was on hand yesterday as it drafted in diggers to create sand banks by the side of the vessel before it was pulled down towards the shore in the hope the tide would lift it and it could then be towed away.

But the force of the waves pushed it back, with the rescue operation put on hold until today, Thursday, May 13.

The plan earlier today was to secure it to a concrete block using a rope to help give it an anchor and keep it out into the water so it can be linked up with another boat and towed.

It now appears the boat is clear of the beach following efforts earlier today.

It came after Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team issued a plea for people to stay clear of the boat following concerns for someone’s safety late yesterday.

The team was called out just after 3.30pm by the group of workers supporting the rescue efforts after a member of the public was seen wading out to the vessel.

The Coastguard team were initially called to the boat on Tuesday and ensured the vessel was safe and causing no signs of pollution, leaving it in the hands of its owner.

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