Teenagers fishing off Tynemouth Pier spark 'major emergency response'

Emergency services carried out a 'major response' after six teenagers were seen fishing at the end of Tynemouth Pier.

A member of the public reported to police that men 'appeared to be in danger as heavy waves were breaking over the pier' at 5.30pm on June 7.

Once the men and TVLB members were on safe ground the RNLI lifeboat, TVLB and all other rescue units were stood down. Credit: Adrian Don/RNLI

The Tynemouth RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched at the request of UK Coastguard's Humber Operations Centre, joining a launch from Northumbria Police Marine Division, and on shore, teams from the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade, Blyth Coastguard Rescue Team, Northumbria Police, Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue and North East Ambulance Service.

The waves were seen crashing against the pier Credit: Adrian Don/RNLI

As the lifeboat sped to the scene, the crew were asked by the Coastguard to provide safety cover as four members of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade (TVLB) used the tunnel that runs through the pier to gain access to the lighthouse end.

The fishermen were in no immediate danger but were escorted to safety through the tunnel by the TVLB, and met by officers from Northumbria Police.

Once the men and TVLB members were on safe ground the RNLI lifeboat, TVLB and all other rescue units were stood down.