Sunderland Coastguard warn public to stay away from stranded boat on Seaburn beach

Sunderland Coastguard volunteers were called out just after 3.30pm on Wednesday, May 12 after concerns were raised for a member of the public who was wading out to a beached vessel at Seaburn.

Workers attempting to return the fishing boat back to the sea raised the alarm, prompting coastguard officers to warn people to stay away from the recovery operation.

A Sunderland Coastguard spokesperson said: “Coastguard officers were called out this afternoon after workers had raised concerns for a member of the public who was wading out to the vessel beached at Seaburn that they were in the process of attempting to recover.

“On our arrival the individual had made it back to safety and the incident was left with the Council, Port and support staff.

"Recovery attempts are still ongoing and members of the public are asked to stay clear of the vessel."

The fishing vessel became stuck on the sand at Seaburn Beach, just a short distance from House of Zen, at around 4.45pm yesterday, Tuesday, May 11, after suffering mechanical difficulties.

Port of Sunderland officials have since been working alongside its skipper to free the vessel using diggers and it hit the sea at around 2.30pm.

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.

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