Poole Lifeboats launch in dense fog to assist a broken down yacht
Poole lifeboat was requested to launch by UK coastguard at 3:50pm today (Thursday May 31) to a report of a yacht in need of assistance as it had encountered engine failure.
As the lifeboat launched the harbour was eerily shrouded in a fog, visibility was down to 20 metres in some areas and harbour control had implemented ‘fog routine’ this is a warning , where vessels are required to proceed with caution and at a slow speeds, use fog horns , navigating with all due care and attention.
The lifeboat made its way through the harbour, using the chart plotter and radar to negotiate the shipping through the main channel.
They found the vessel 300 metres off Flag head Chine, this is in between Bournemouth and Poole, the 28ft vessel with one person on-board was okay but unable to continue on its passage, the yacht had lost its engine and there was no wind.
The lifeboat attached a towline and proceeded cautiously back through the harbour, the fog cleared a little as they made their way back passed Brownsea Castle taking the vessel to safe haven at Poole Quay Boat Haven.
The lifeboat was back at station and ready for service after refuelling by 7pm
Volunteer Helm Dave Riley said;
‘It was good work by the crew they navigated the harbour concentrating hard using the plotter and radar ,senses heightened by the blanket of fog that disguised the familiar route’
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.