Rescue mission to go on into second day after boat becomes stranded on Seaburn Beach

An operation to rescue the boat has been launched after it became beached on Sunderland’s shoreline – with the work set to continue into a second day.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 12th May 2021, 14:22 BST
Updated 12th May 2021, 18:58 BST
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The fishing vessel Pelican became stuck on the sand at Seaburn Beach, just a short distance from House of Zen, at around 4.45pm yesterday, Tuesday, May 11.

It ran aground after suffering mechanical difficulties, with its owner ensuring it was secured in place in the aftermath of it becoming stuck.

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Port of Sunderland officials have since been working alongside its skipper to free the vessel, while a crowd of well-wishers watched on from the promenade during the course of this afternoon.

The operation to rescue the boat was launched after it became beached on Sunderland’s shoreline.The operation to rescue the boat was launched after it became beached on Sunderland’s shoreline.
The operation to rescue the boat was launched after it became beached on Sunderland’s shoreline.
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Using diggers, they shifted sand to support the boat before pulling it towards the sea, as the tide was not expected to reach the same point today.

It hit the sea at around 2.30pm and it was hoped that that once surrounded by water, it could be towed back to its moorings for repairs by another boat.

However, after it was pushed out towards the sea and the tide drew in, the movement of the waves caused it to be banked yet again.

People watch on as Port of Sunderland works to move sand around the vessel.People watch on as Port of Sunderland works to move sand around the vessel.
People watch on as Port of Sunderland works to move sand around the vessel.
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It was then decided the vessel will remain in place until tomorrow, when a fresh effort will be made to free the boat and help it reach the marina.

Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team was alerted to the incident late yesterday afternoon and carried out a number of checks to ensure the public was not in danger and there was no indication of pollution.

The coastguard said in a statement after the call out: “Coastguard officers were called out to reports of a fishing vessel that had ran aground on the beach at Seaburn after mechanical difficulties.

"On arrival the owner of the vessel had already left the scene after securing the vessel.

A photo by John Alderson showing the boat in situ on Seaburn Beach before the rescue mission began.A photo by John Alderson showing the boat in situ on Seaburn Beach before the rescue mission began.
A photo by John Alderson showing the boat in situ on Seaburn Beach before the rescue mission began.
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"Satisfied that no lives were at risk and no signs of pollution were found, the team were stood down and it was left with the owner.”

The tide will play a part in the operation, with high tide on Thursday, May 13, at 5.05am and low tide at 11.20am, then high tide again at 5.19pm and low at 11.32pm.

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Related topics:PelicanRescue missionSunderland