Shields trawler salvaged after harbour incident
17th August 2022
The 11.30m 25-year-old Tyne-built trawler Old Granty SN 438 sank at her mooring in the Fish Quay Gut at North Shields last week, reports Nigel Gray.
There were no reported casualties.
The vessel’s owner, Nigel (Nig) Hull, who has fished from Shields for many years, was unable to comment on the cause of the accident. He said: “The matter is now in the hands of the vessel’s insurers.”
However, there is speculation on the quay that she became hung up by one of her trawl doors fouling on the quayside. This theory is still unconfirmed. The vessel had just gone back into the water after a paint-up and refurbishment ashore, including new electrics.
The incident triggered a major salvage and pollution control effort by the salvors, Tyne and Wear Marine and the Port of Tyne.
Fish Quay manager Nik Hanlon told Fishing News: “The swift response from all engaged in the operation has limited fuel oil spillage to a very localised area in the Gut. Thankfully, the vessel was only carrying 120 litres of fuel.”
He also sought to reassure all concerned that there is no risk to the current good run of salmon and sea trout in the Tyne, which is highly acclaimed for its salmon stock recovery.
Following an unsuccessful attempt to raise the boat using airbags, the vessel was lifted enough to enable it to be pulled into the shallows, with the expectation that it could subsequently be lifted out at low tide as Fishing News went to press.
Normal Fish Quay operations have continued, with vessels mooring on the river side of the Gut, while a pollution boom closes off the area to prevent any potential pollution.
The Port of Tyne has issued Notice to Mariners No. 12 of 2022 with details of the incident.
This story was taken from the latest issue of Fishing News. For more up-to-date and in-depth reports on the UK and Irish commercial fishing sector, subscribe to Fishing News here or buy the latest single issue for just £3.30 here.
