Fishing Vessel in Collision with South Pier

At 6.30 a.m. today Tyne Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) reported to Humber Coastguard that the fishing vessel Grenaa Star had been in collision with South Pier, Tynemouth. The fishing vessel had begun taking in water and was in need of immediate assistance.

Escorted by other local fishing vessels, and the Port of Tyne pilot launch Collingwood, the fishing vessel was able to beach itself on Little Haven Beach.

Humber Coastguard requested that the two Tynemouth RNLI lifeboats launch and they have now transferred two salvage pumps to the vessel to deal with the ingress of water. Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team are also on scene and are keeping watch and reporting back to the Coastguard.

Two crew members have been shutting down the fuel supply on board the vessel and will be taken off it shortly by the RNLI.

The vessel's skipper suffered an injury and has been taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for treatment.

Mike Puplett, Humber Coastguard Watch Manager, said, "The vessel sustained slight damage, but there is no evidence of pollution. Now that the situation is stable on scene an assessment will be made about refloating the vessel later today."