Trawler smashes into wall

Last updated 15:55, Wednesday, 30 April 2008

A TRAWLER boat smashed into a wall at Whitehaven harbour during the early hours of Sunday morning, prompting a rescue operation.

damaged: Trawler Ocean Harvester being pumped out on the Lime Tongue

The vessel managed to make it back into the main harbour but was rapidly taking in water, starting to sink.

The 22-metre long Ocean Harvester had left the port’s sea-lock at about 4.15am. But on its way out to sea, the boat somehow collided with the outer harbour wall, smashing open its front.

Water started to pour in through the split hull and the boat began to sink. The trawler made its way back into the inner harbour without assistance but needed urgent help.

Firefighters were waiting with pumping equipment to try and salvage the vessel.

Crews from Whitehaven and Workington worked to pump out the water but could not stop it sinking. It was taken to a shallow part of the harbour next to Lime Tongue.

The skipper of the vessel, who did not want to be named, said thick fog had made it difficult to see the harbour wall. The damage was being assessed.