The Tres Hombres, which became stranded off Whitey Bay last Sunday and was helped to safety by RNLI crews, left North Shields after a six-day stay.
This is the moment the world’s only engineless sailing cargo ship left the River Tyne after a week of Geordie hospitality.
Stranded in bay:
The Tres Hombres became stranded off Whitey Bay last Sunday morning and was helped to safety by Tyneside RNLI crews.
The skipper had asked for assistance in getting his vessel to a safe harbour. As it was powered only by sail and had no auxiliary engine, it usually relied on a motor launch to manoeuvre in port, however that motor launch had broken down.
Strong winds stall rescue:
Due to strong winds forecast the following day, the Coastguard called the RNLI whose crew members towed the dinghy back to the mother ship – a 32m, 128 tonne sailing vessel.
The Tres Hombres and her crew of 15 were then taken to North Shields Western Quay safely and were there until Saturday.
Gratitude appreciated:
One crew member, Malcolm Lilley, from Gateshead, said they were bowled over by the kindness of fellow Geordie strangers.
He added: “The people have been so helpful here, you wouldn’t believe it.”
“One man took our canisters, drove them away, filled them up and brought them back and he wouldn’t take any money.”
“So we gave him five chocolate bars to say thank you.”
Adrian Don, spokesman for Tynemouth RNLI lifeboat, said: “This is one of the most unusual services our volunteer crew members have carried out and the casualty vessel is unique as the world’s only engineless sailing cargo ship.”
“The Tres Hombres and her crew were in no immediate danger but having no engine and with her launch broken down, they had no means of safely getting into harbour and with very poor weather expected her skipper had no alternative but to ask for assistance.”
“Our volunteers were happy to help and quickly got the vessel into the shelter of the Tyne harbour.”
On Saturday, Tres Hombres was escorted back out of the Tyne by a lifeboat.
The ship was expected to head to the Netherlands for a refit.
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Source: Chronicle Live
