Man saved after fall from stranded boat

Rescue teams from Sunderland were called out after receiving reports that a pleasure boat was experiencing steering problems.

The incident took place at around 2pm on Saturday, just south of the New South Pier at Roker.

Sunderland Coastguard teams kept as visual watch on the stranded vessel until the arrival of the Sunderland RNLI lifeboat. However, as teams were working to establish a tow, a man from the pleasure boat fell overboard after a deck rail gave way.

Thankfully, he was wearing a life jacket and was quickly recovered by the lifeboat crew and once back ashore, he was given dry clothing and warmed up with no medical treatment needed.

Once it was established that the man was unharmed, the boat was towed back to port.

A statement on the Sunderland Coastguard Facebook page said: “Sunderland Coast guard Rescue Team was called to report of a pleasure boat experiencing steering problems just south of New South Pier.

“Coast guard Rescue Officers maintained visual watch on the vessel until arrival of Sunderland RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat.

"As the tow was being established, a crewman fell into the sea from the pleasure boat after a deck rail gave way. "Wisely, he had been wearing a lifejacket and was quickly recovered by the lifeboat crew, being landed at their station where he was given dry clothing and warmed up. No medical treatment was required.

"Boat owners should also consider the mechanical and structural condition of their craft before proceeding to sea.”