A boat broke away from its mooring and became stuck underneath bridge in Benfleet, sparking a mission to free it and find its owner. 

South Woodham Coastguard Rescue Team secured the boat, named Poverty, at around 2am on Sunday after it had collided with a road bridge in Benfleet.

The vessel has broken from its mooring before getting stuck underneath the bridge.

(Image: Southend Coastguard)
(Image: Southend Coastguard)

The coastguard, supported by colleagues at Southend, later used ropes to pull the boat clear of the bridge to a more suitable location.

They are now appealing to find the owner of the vessel and have asked them to get in contact with Dover Coastguard.

A spokesperson for the Coastguard said: “Just before 2am this morning the team alongside South Woodham Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked to a vessel that had collided with a road bridge in Benfleet.

(Image: Southend Coastguard)

“The vessel had broken away from its mooring and became stuck underneath one of the spans of the bridge.

“The vessel was secured overnight and we re-attended this morning to check on its state and move it to a more suitable location.

(Image: Southend Coastguard)

"HM Coastguard Southend On Sea were tasked to assist with manpower, using ropes we pulled the vessel clear of the bridge to a more suitable location.

“If you are the owner of the vessel named 'Poverty', please get in contact with Dover Coastguard on 0344 382 0593 quoting reference 534668.

“Remember, if you spot anyone in danger at the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard!”