ANGLERS CAUGHT UP IN STORMY CONDITIONS ON THE NORTH EAST COAST


Anglers are once again being urged not to take risks and ensure they check the weather and tidal conditions before setting out.
It comes as Humber Coastguard coordinated two separate incidents this afternoon, where 17 anglers in total were caught up in stormy conditions.

In the first incident, Humber Coastguard was called at just after 1.30pm about a group of 15 anglers that were knocked over by a freak wave on Roker Pier in Sunderland. The Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to the scene, along with the RAF rescue helicopter from Boulmer. One angler was injured, believed to be suffering from a broken leg, and had to be airlifted to hospital.
Although a light southwesterly wind, there was a heavy swell breaking over the pier.
In the other incident this afternoon, Humber Coastguard was contacted by police at 3.21pm to warn that two anglers had been caught up in a fast flowing stream at Becketts Bank between Peterlee and Hartlepool. One of them had been swept out towards the sea. The Hartlepool Coastguard Rescue Team and the RAF rescue helicopter from Boulmer were sent to the scene, and after a search the angler was located and airlifted to hospital.

Bev Allen, Watch Manager at Humber Coastguard, said:

“If you’re planning a day’s angling from rocks choose your location carefully, wear a lifejacket, check weather and tidal conditions and tell a shore contact where you are going and when you intend to be back. Tell them to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you don’t return on time. If you get into difficulty or see somebody else in trouble, you should also call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
“You should always wear suitable footwear such as stout walking boots (waders or Wellington boots are not suitable) and take a torch and a mobile phone with you."

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