Two saved from River Wear by RNLI

Shortly after 6:45pm this evening (2 November) Officers based at Humber Coastguard received a ‘999’ emergency call from the owner of the fishing vessel reporting that his vessel had been stolen and crashed into another vessel near Sunderland Fish Quay.

Sunderland RNLI volunteer’s pagers were immediately activated and the launch of both inshore lifeboats was approved by the on duty launching authority. In addition Coastguards also dispatched Officers from Sunderland Coastguard Rescue team along with Paramedics from Northeast Ambulance Service.

Paul Nicholson, Helmsman at Sunderland RNLI said: ‘Thankfully a member of the Coastguard rescue team entered the water and managed to keep the first casualty afloat until our volunteers arrived on-board the D Class inshore lifeboat.’

Shortly after recovering the first man from the water; the second casualty decided to jump into the river from the stolen fishing vessel in an attempt to swim ashore to avoid arrest by Police. Lifeboat volunteers quickly managed to get hold of the man and pull him from the water to safety on-board the lifeboat.’

The two men were immediately transferred back to Sunderland marina on-board the D Class inshore lifeboat while the Atlantic 85 crew ensured the stolen boat was tied up and secure.

Once at Sunderland Marina the two patients were treated by RNLI volunteers until Paramedics arrived to take over the treatment before transporting them both to Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Paul added: ‘Thankfully on this occasion a rapid response by Coastguard and RNLI volunteers prevented a potentially fatal accident as both casualties were struggling to keep them afloat in the water. Had the owner of the boat not seen this happening when he did; this incident could have easily ended being a very tragic accident.’

Shortly before 7:30pm the lifeboat crew were released from the incident and cleared to return to the lifeboat station where the boats and equipment were washed off and cleaned ready for the next emergency call.

If anyone has any further information about this incident or the circumstances leading up to it; please contact Northumbria Police to help with their enquires