Crowds watched on in Shotley after a digger got into difficulty near the pier.
According to onlookers the digger was working at the pier in the village when it was allegedly driven to the water to wash off mud in the river.
Unfortunately the digger soon became stuck and required rescue from a JCB which was also being used on the site.
Witnesses said that the JCB then ran out of fuel and once re-fuelled would not start.
A tractor then arrived at the scene and tried to drag the digger out but it more mud ended up being pushed in front of it as the tide came in.
By this point a number of people had gathered near the water to watch the events unfolding near the pier.
They said that the digger was left in the water until the tide had subsided.
Both the tractor and JCB were removed from the beach.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here