The 1,800dwt British-flagged coaster Douwent (1987/1,311gt), a regular visitor to the north east, recently got into trouble. Early on 2 April she left for Rotterdam, having loaded the previous day at Blyth. However, she had only just started her voyage when engine problems, when off Seaham further down the coast, resulted in the vessel being towed to the safety of the Tyne by the tug Svitzer Lindhurst.
When she was off the Tyne piers, the tug Yarm Cross also came to help and the coaster was safely berthed at Northumbrian Quay, where repairs could be undertaken. However, this proved impossible and the vessel had to be towed to a discharge berth and completed discharge at 1600 on 7 April. Repairs were then carried out and the vessel was able to sail for her original destination of Rotterdam on 10 April over a week later. The vessel is operated by D. & H. Freight Management of Glasgow.
