Poole lifeboats launched to a boat on fire and people and dogs in the water
Both lifeboats were tasked by UK Coastguard just before 4.30pm to a report of a 22ft speedboat on fire, on the edge of the Training Bank on the approach to Poole Harbour, with two people and three dogs ‘abandoning ship’.
Poole Lifeboat was swiftly on scene and found the people and dogs on board
‘Halcyon’ a Nelson type boat that was in the vicinity along with ‘Solent Scene’ and
‘Vigilant’ who were also standing by.
When the lifeboats arrived on scene, there was no evidence of fire as it had been extinguished and all was safe and well.
The trio of ‘salty sea’ dogs Roxie, Evie and the last pooch were all wearing their life-jackets and were transferred onto the lifeboat, along with the two casualties.
All were none the worse for their adventure, the lifeboat also took the stricken vessel under tow as there was no sign of a fire, though it’s thought that the engine had overheated. Conditions in the bay were calm with south westerly breeze 2 to 3.
The D class had stood by and a crew member from the D class was transferred onto the stricken vessel as a towline was attached, it was towed by the lifeboat back to Davies Boatyard.
As the lifeboat brought the vessel alongside. Poole Coastguard was on hand to meet them.
The two people and their dogs were safely transferred ashore and the stricken vessel moored alongside, the lifeboats returned back to station and after refuelling were ready for service by 6pm.
Volunteer Helm Jonathan Clark said:
‘It made a pleasant change to carry four legged casualties today on board the lifeboat, they were well behaved and friendly and it was good to see them dressed in their life-jackets, none the worse for their adventures on the high seas, just a ‘waggy tail’ to yarn about. Joking apart, overheating engines can be quite alarming and perceived a lot worse, thankfully on this occasion, this was a good outcome for all.'
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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