Both boats launch to assist a walker at Chapmans Pool

A little after 3:30pm the pagers sounded to initiate the launch of the inshore lifeboat (ILB). Due to the sea conditions along the south coast, the decision was made to launch the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) as well. By 3:50pm both boats were launched and beginning the journey west to Chapman's Pool. The waves and swell were bigger than expected so the ILB travelled in the wake of the ALB, making it a smoother passage for the crew.

At 4:10pm both boats were on scene and trying to locate the casualty on the cliffs and landslips to the west of Chapman's Pool. HM Coastguard teams were on the coastal path and the most obvious and safest way to extract the walker, once located, was for those teams to initiate a rope rescue. The lifeboats stood by at the base of the cliffs to offer support were it to be needed.

With the walker safely back on the coastal path, at 5:25pm the lifeboats were released from service and returned to Swanage.

ALB Crew: (Coxn) Gavin Steeden, Phil Palmer, Neil Brooks, Ben Bamber, Scott Turner, Adam O'Neill
ILB Crew: (Helm) Matthew Steeden, Sam Aggas, Archie Burgess

Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Gary Buglass, (Winch) Andy Redout, Julian Vass, Neil Collings

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.