Overview

• Rescuers handled two emergencies about 90 minutes apart on Saturday afternoon, with the coastguard alert for the later call logged at 3:05pm.
• The first incident involved three swimmers who struggled near the northern side of the bay, where one self-rescued and two were guided to shore after a passer-by deployed a throw line and entered the water.
• The second incident involved two men, as Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade spent around 10 minutes moving through heavy seas to reach the remaining casualty who showed signs of hypothermia.
• North East Ambulance Service assessed two patients, discharging one at the scene and transporting a man in his 20s to Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington.
• Cullercoats RNLI could not safely approach due to rocks and heavy seas, with HM Coastguard, Blyth Coastguard Rescue Team, NEAS and Northumbria Police supporting the response while officials reinforced rip-current safety guidance.