Yacht abandoned in bay a month ago vandalised

The boat has been left on the sands for more than a month

A yacht left abandoned in a bay after it ran aground a month ago has become a target for vandals.

The boat has been sitting on the sands of King Edward's Bay, in Tynemouth, North Tyneside, since 10 September following the rescue of a sailor who said he had been at sea for 45 days.

Tynemouth RNLI said volunteers helped the elderly man off the boat after reports it was dangerously close to rocks.

North Tyneside Council said it was understandable the boat was "attracting a lot attention" but the vessel "remained the responsibility of the owner".

It is not known if the man, who was treated by North East Ambulance Service paramedics at the time of the rescue, will return for the boat.

A spokesperson for North Tyneside Council said: "We're keeping a close eye on the situation while working with partners to make sure the proper legal steps are followed so it can be removed as soon as possible."

The boat has been graffitied after running aground in the bay in September

The council says it is working with partners to make sure the legal steps are followed to remove the boat

At the time of the rescue, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed an Army bomb disposal team had been called out and "black powder" was taken back to its barracks.

The BBC approached the MoD for an update on the black powder found but it did not give one.

Pictures sent to the BBC show graffiti on the bottom of the boat.

Northumbria Police said it had not received any reports of vandalism in relation to the vessel, adding it was not the responsibility of the police to remove it.