The untethered vessel became wedged underneath Stoneferry Bridge
A barge collided with a major Hull bridge after it became untethered in what is “highly likely” to have been a “deliberate act”. Emergency services were called to Stoneferry Bridge shortly before 6.20pm on Monday (January 5) following reports a vessel had hit the structure.
Humber Rescue say a crew of four launched a lifeboat in the sub-zero temperatures and soon arrived on the scene where they were met by HM Coastguard Hull. At this time it was not known if anyone was on board the vessel.
A Humber Rescue spokesperson added: “On arrival, the barge was wedged underneath the bridge but untethered nevertheless. Having secured the mooring lines temporarily we awaited the tide to fall, and with a coxswain successfully being able to start the engine, the vessel was finally freed and returned to its original mooring.
“As the vessel had been checked at its mooring a week or so before, it’s highly likely this was a deliberate act. Whilst it may seem a bit of fun at the time, please think about your actions.
“This incident tied up assets from Hull & Hornsea Coastguard Rescue Team, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire & Rescue Service for almost 3 hours, potentially diverting these resources away from other incidents.”