Lifeboat volunteers came to the rescue of two people after their boat broke down while they were watching New Year's Eve fireworks on the River Tyne.
Tynemouth RNLI volunteers received their first call out of the year, the first for the RNLI on the whole, at 12.15am when they were alerted to a boat which had broken down with two persons on board on the Ouseburn.
Their assistance was requested by Humber Coastguard who reported that the boat had suffered an engine failure when when trying to return to Royal Quays, having been up the river enjoying the fireworks and laser display.
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The Tynemouth RNLI lifeboat arrived at the scene at 12.44am, and brought the vessel under tow at 1am.
The boat then landed back at Royal Quays in North Shields at 2:29am and was subsequently was released by Humber Coastguard. It was made ready for service once more at 2:50am.
A total of 16 crew turned out for the callout, Tynemouth RNLI confirmed. Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade also assisted in the operation.
A spokesperson for the Tynemouth RNLI said: "Tynemouth's D-Class launched to retrieve the boat, arriving on scene at 00:44, bringing the vessel under tow at 1am.
"The ILB landed back at Royal Quays in North Shields at 2:29am where we were met by Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade. The ILB was released by Humber Coastguard shortly after."
"The ILB was made ready for service again at 2:50am."
Remember if you need assistance dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.
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