Upturned boat sparks lifeboat launch (From The Northern Echo)
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Upturned boat sparks lifeboat launch
10:50pm Sunday 12th April 2009 in Search
A LIFEBOAT was called out following a report of an upturned boat on the River Tees.
A passing ship spotted the 10ft craft close to the Tees transporter bridge at about 6pm on Sunday.
When the boat was righted by a lifeboat crew from Redcar, it was apparent that the boat was either abandoned or was being used as a working platform, possibly for painting operations.
Once it was confirmed that no persons were involved, the lifeboat returned to shore.
Volunteer helmsman Mike Picknett said: "As soon as we arrived we could see that the boat was in pretty poor condition.
"When we turned it the right way up we saw that it was probably being used for painting somewhere on the river.
"We did a quick area search, with members of the Cleveland Fire and Rescue checking from the river banks, and once the coastguard were happy there was no one in difficulties, we were stood down."
