Marina workers have battled to refloat Chary, a 65ft MFV berthed in Hartlepool that sunk in the recent high winds.

Chary sank two weeks ago after its wooden seams opened up due to the strong gusts. But it has now been brought back to the surface with airbags and water pumps, including two from Stranton Fire Station.

Divers and experts from Sealane Inshore, in Houghton-le-Spring, were called in to help with the ongoing operation that will eventually see the boat repaired in dry dock.

Marina manager Allan Henderson said: "The owner was away in Ireland when it sank. We have tried to help him as much as we can and he is back now.

"We employed a salvage crew to help with the lift and the vessel will eventually be taken to Ireland, where the owner wants to live in it.

"He says he had planned to fully refurnish it anyway."
The 60-tonne boat is the first to sink in the marina for five years.