The River Tyne has reopened to traffic after a dockside crane collapsed onto a container ship on Sunday afternoon, but with navigation restrictions in place. One person was taken to hospital following the incident at the Port of Tyne in South Shields.
Emergency Response and Injuries
A major emergency response was triggered just after 1pm on Sunday, involving the North East Ambulance Service, Great North Air Ambulance Service, and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. The crane was damaged on the dock, and cargo containers on the vessel were crumpled. The injured person was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for further treatment.
Navigation Restrictions
Port of Tyne Harbour Master Greg Maitland issued a notice confirming the river has reopened with conditions. Leisure and small commercial craft must remain on the north side of the channel when passing Riverside Quay, keeping at least 150 metres from the quay and proceeding at slow speed. Large vessels of 150 metres or longer, and complex moves requiring two or more tugs, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Harbour Master.
Mariners are required to keep clear of crane repair works, maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 12, and comply with instructions from Tyne VTS or safety boats. The restrictions remain until recovery works are complete and a cancellation notice is issued.
Ambulance Service Statement
A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called to an incident in which a person was injured at the Port of Tyne, South Shields, at 1.02pm on 19 July. We dispatched three double crewed ambulances, two clinical team leaders, a duty officer, three vehicles from our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and were supported by Great North Air Ambulance Service. One patient was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary. One of our HART vehicles remains at the scene on standby to support the fire service."
