Lifeboat crewmen saved teen in nick of time

A TEENAGER was saved from drowning after two passers-by saw him struggling in the Tyne.

The 15-year-old had been fishing from the small beach on the east quayside, North Shields, yesterday lunchtime, when he waded into the water to have a look at one of the small fishing boats moored there.

He became entangled in the mooring ropes and was unable to free himself. The tide was rising and he was starting to suffer the effects of the cold water.

Luckily, two people spotted the lad's predicament and rushed to the nearby Tynemouth Lifeboat Station to raise the alarm.

Crewmen Ian Black and Dave Thompson happened to be at the station doing scheduled maintenance on the inshore lifeboat and rushed in the station boarding boat to help the boy.

He was freed, pulled out of the water, and taken to safety at the lifeboat station, where he seemed no worse for his ordeal.

The lifeboat crewmen ensured he was dry and warmed up and as he was suffering no after-effects, he was allowed to go on his way after being given hot drinks, and some words of advice about sea safety.

Adrian Don, spokesman for Tynemouth RNLI said: "This lad was extremely lucky. Another few minutes and he would certainly have drowned.

"Thanks to the sharp eyes of two members of the public and the fast reaction of our volunteer crewmen, a tragedy was averted."