Historic fishing boat blown over by north-east high winds

An historic fishing boat was blown over in a north-east harbour in high winds yesterday.

Reaper, a 70ft vessel that dates back to 1902, started taking on water when it was blown onto its side in Johnshaven Harbour.

One person was taken to hospital after the incident.

Firefighters from Inverbervie and Stonehaven have been trying to pump water from the hull of the boat, in a bid to refloat it.

Coastguard were also called to the incident at around 1.20pm on Saturday.

A spokeswoman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “We sent a lifeboat and coastguard rescue team from Stonehaven and the person that was injured was taken to hospital by ambulance.

“We attempted to organise the righting of the Reaper involving 4 pumps but unfortunately the vessel could not be righted.

“Pumping was abandoned due to damage being too severe.”