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Hartlepool RNLI tow abandoned vessel to safety

Lifeboats News Release

Hartlepool RNLI volunteers were paged at 12.25pm on Monday 22nd September by Humber Coastguard to investigate an unmanned 25ft fishing vessel that had apparently broken free from its moorings on the River Wear on Sunday evening and found by another vessel on Monday morning.

RNLI

The vessel under tow.
It's position was reported as being 10 miles north of Hartlepool.
The all weather lifeboat 'John Sharp' launched at 12.40pm with six volunteer crewmembers and was alongside the casualty vessel at 1.25pm.
Two crewmembers were placed aboard the vessel which was then taken undertow to Seaham Harbour and moored there for the owner to collect it.
The lifeboat returned to the Ferry Road lifeboat station at 4.10pm and was refuelled and made ready for service by 4.30pm.
Hartlepool RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Steve Pounder said 'The vessel could potentially have been a hazard to shipping so the decision was made to tow it safely to Seaham Harbour.'
Sea conditions at the time were described as moderate.

RNLI Media Contacts

Hartlepool RNLI volunteer press officer Tom Collins email: [email protected]

Clare Hopps (RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North East and East): [email protected] Tel:07824 518641

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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