BARGE SAFELY UNDER TOW AGAIN AFTER DRIFTING OFF NORTH YORKSHIRE
A 35 metre
unmanned barge that was being taken from Stromness to Lowestoft has been
reconnected to its towing vessel.
Humber Coastguard
was first contacted by the towing vessel just before 3am this morning, which
reported that the barge was drifting after the tow had parted. The vessel had
made a number of attempts to reconnect but was struggling to do so. The wind at
the time was a North Westerley force 6 (25-30mph) with a 3-4 metre swell.
The RNLI
Hartlepool all-weather lifeboat was asked to assist and see if they could help
reconnect the tow. Another tug vessel was also sent to help.
By this time,
there was concern the barge was drifting close to the Teeside offshore wind farm
but after a number of attempts, the tow was finally reconnected just after 5am.
Mike Puplett,
Watch Manager at Humber Coastguard, said:
"This was a
tricky operation in difficult weather conditions. Once made aware the barge was
drifting towards the windfarm, we wanted to make sure a tow was re-established
as quickly as possible. Luckily this was achieved, and no damage was done.
"The barge and
towing vessel has now continued on its journey, and is in regular contact
with us to update us of their progress.”