Home / Disasters and Accidents / Fishing Boat Mayday: Brave Rescue Battled 4m Waves
Fishing Boat Mayday: Brave Rescue Battled 4m Waves
15 Jan
Summary
- A man died after two crew members fell overboard from a fishing vessel.
- Rescue crews battled 4-meter high waves during the emergency operation.
- The incident occurred 14 miles off the coast of Newbiggin, Northumberland.
A man has died following a tragic incident at sea off the coast of Blyth, Northumberland, on Sunday, January 11th. Two members of the crew of the UK-registered fishing vessel Fortitude went overboard approximately 14 miles from Newbiggin. A mayday alert was issued just before 4:20 PM, initiating a large-scale, multi-agency search and rescue operation.
Emergency services, including the RNLI from Amble and Tynemouth, Coastguard helicopters and aircraft, and the Great North Air Ambulance Service, responded swiftly. Rescuers faced extremely challenging conditions, battling waves estimated to be four meters high. One of the two men in the water was rescued and transported to Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital for treatment.
Despite the extensive efforts, one man was confirmed deceased. Northumbria Police have stated there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, and a report is being prepared for the coroner. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is conducting inquiries, with police providing support. The next of kin for the deceased have been informed.
