Barge helped by Hartlepool rescue teams after breaking down off town's coast

By Fiona Thompson

Published 27th Oct 2020, 07:52 BST

Updated 27th Oct 2020, 08:56 BST

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A barge and its crew were towed back to shore after the boat was hit with mechanical issues while out at sea.

Hartlepool RNLI volunteers were alerted by Humber Coastguard to assist a 70ft Dutch Iron gaff rigged cutter barge with two people on board after the boat was in difficulties near Redcar.

The all-weather lifeboat Betty Huntbatch was launched, with a crewmember placed on board the barge to help escort it to Hartlepool.

Jet skier pulled from the sea after breakdown off the coast of Hartlepool

Hartlepool RNLI escorting the boat back to Hartlepool. Photo by RNLI/Andrew Johnson.

Hartlepool RNLI escorting the boat back to Hartlepool. Photo by RNLI/Andrew Johnson.

As the vessel approached the Fish Quay, an alongside tow was established to assist with berthing, with members of Hartlepool Coastguard team on hand offer support.

Hartlepool RNLI Lifeboat operations manager Chris Hornsey said: “Once again this is the sort of job the crew train to deal with on a regular basis.

"It was good to see the boat moored at the fish quay and our volunteer crew return home safely after the incident.”

The alert happened at 2.30pm yesterday, Monday, October 26, with the casualty vessel reached by 3.30pm.

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Hartlepool RNLI