Catamaran helped off coast of Northumberland after developing engine problems

A catamaran which was servicing wind turbines off Blyth was rescued this morning (Sunday) after starting to take on water.
The catamaran Wind Transfer is lifted from the water at Blyth.The catamaran Wind Transfer is lifted from the water at Blyth.
The catamaran Wind Transfer is lifted from the water at Blyth.

The 21m vessel Wind Transfer suffered gearbox problems, resulting in water flooding the engine room.

The two crew members on board immediately sent out a mayday message. HM Coastguard confirmed it received a mayday call from the windfarm support vessel approximately 2.5 nautical miles north-east of Blyth Harbour just before 10.15am.

The catamaran Wind Transfer is brought into Battleship Wharf at Blyth.The catamaran Wind Transfer is brought into Battleship Wharf at Blyth.
The catamaran Wind Transfer is brought into Battleship Wharf at Blyth.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Both Blyth RNLI lifeboats, Newbiggin lifeboat and Blyth Coastguard were called out. The lifeboats put pumps on board but could not stem flow of water. Blyth RNLI lifeboat escorted the vessel into the harbour.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service were called to Battleship Wharf for additional pumping but the flooding could still not be stopped so the Blyth-based boat was lifted out of the water for repairs.