RNLI and coastguard on hand to help vessel stranded off North East coast

The incident took place at around 9pm on Sunday, July 19 when rescue teams were alerted by Humber Coastguard who picked up a mayday call from the broken down vessel.

Sunderland Coastguard headed to Whitburn rifle range to get the best view possible to assist with the rescue operation while the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) were dispatched from Sunderland Lifeboat Station at Roker to meet the vessel half a mile off the coast.

The RNLI towed it back to its berth in Sunderland Marina where the owners were given further advice from the coastguard rescue officers.

It is understood that no one was physically hurt during the incident.

A spokesperson for the Sunderland Coastguard said: “This evening the team were tasked after Humber Coastguard received a mayday call for a broken down vessel. We proceeded to Whitburn rifle range for the best view of the vessel.

“RNLI at Sunderland Lifeboat Station were able to meet the vessel approximately half a mile off the coast which had suffered an engine failure.

"The casualty vessel was then towed back to its berth at Sunderland Marina and the owners given further advice by coastguard rescue officers."

There was also a reminder that anyone who finds themselves in trouble while at sea must dial 999 immediately and ask for the coastguard.

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