Dramatic images have been released showing three men being rescued after the boat they were in capsized off the coast of Sunderland.

The fishermen were picked up close to Roker Pier on Saturday after their boat became snagged on floating line from a lobster pot.

RNLI volunteer helmsman Paul Nicholson said: “Thankfully, our volunteers were able to respond extremely quickly to this incident and prevent a tragic accident which could have very easily ended up with three lives being lost.

“Hopefully, the dramatic photographs and video of this incident will act as a reminder to those who go out to sea about why it is important to wear your life jacket and not leave it in a locker on the boat.”

The alarm was raised when several members of the public called the Coastguard after they saw the boat capsize, leaving the men in the water hanging on to their upturned boat.

Three RNLI lifeboats from Sunderland and Tynemouth were launched, as well as a shore-based Coastguard Rescue Team from Sunderland.

The three men were taken back to Sunderland Marina, with one being taken to hospital for further treatment.

Source: Read Full Article