Lifeboat's crew thrown overboard

The crew righted the boat, and no-one was seriously hurt

The crew of an RNLI lifeboat were thrown overboard when the vessel capsized while on a training exercise off Northumberland.

Three crew from Newbiggin were aboard the CSMA 75th Anniversary, along with an RNLI inspector, when it overturned.

A spokeswoman for the charity said the Atlantic Class 75 boat was quickly righted and driven to shore.

No-one was seriously hurt in the incident off the mouth of the River Wansbeck on Thursday evening.

The four crew have been taken to hospital for check ups.

The Newbiggin lifeboat is now in restricted service and cover will be provided by crews at Amble, Blyth and Cullercoats until a replacement boat arrives.

An investigation will be carried out to see if any lessons can be learned from the accident, said the spokeswoman.