Wreckage warning after boat capsized at weekend
PA / Owen HumphreysMariners are being told to watch out for wreckage after a boat capsized at the weekend.
The coastguard rescued three people from the sea near South Shields at about 15:00 BST on Saturday after they called for help.
The Port of Tyne said the 14ft (4.2m) cabin cruiser had been lost from sight and its current position and condition was unknown.
"It is probable that the vessel has sunk; however, the possibility that it remains submerged or partially submerged cannot be excluded and may therefore present a hazard to navigation," a spokesperson said.
Tynemouth RNLI's inshore lifeboat, Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team and South Shields Volunteer Life brigade assisted the rescue operation, the coastguard said.
The crew were wearing life jackets and were brought to shore by a pilot vessel and passed into the care of the North East Ambulance Service, it said.
The Port of Tyne, which manages the area, said the boat was white with a brown stripe and capsized in position 55°00.2'N, 001°23.3'W.
It asked other vessels to navigate the area carefully.
"Mariners navigating in the Seaward Approaches to the River Tyne are requested to proceed with caution, maintain a sharp lookout and navigate at a safe speed, having regard to the possibility of a partially or wholly submerged obstruction," a spokesperson said.
It also asked anyone who saw the wreckage or oil, fuel or other signs of pollution to get in touch.