Blyth swimmer in near-miss with cargo ship

The swimmer refused assistance and made his own way to the shore

A swimmer involved in a near miss with a cargo ship said he was taking a dip in the harbour because it was cheaper than the local pool.

An RNLI lifeboat was called to the Port of Blyth in Northumberland by reports of a man in the water.

There was concern for his safety as there were a number of boats around and he had been narrowly avoided by a 400-tonne vessel coming into port.

He refused assistance and made his own way to the side of the harbour.

When advised to leave the water by the lifeboat crew, he told them: "I'm swimming here because it's cheaper than the local pool."

Paul Raine, from Blyth RNLI said: "Is it really worth risking your life going swimming in the cold water of a working harbour to save paying a few pounds to visit the local heated swimming pool?"