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Blustery conditions spark multiple calls for Poole volunteers

Lifeboats News Release

For the third day running Poole Lifeboat was requested to launch by the UK coastguard just after 2pm on Sunday (July 5) to a report of 5 people in or on, an inflatable clinging to a buoy in Studland Bay.

The lifeboat launched immediately and made good speed; Swanage Lifeboat had also been tasked.

Whilst on route information came through over the radio that a passing vessel had responded and had helped the casualties ashore, the Coastguard requested that the lifeboat crew continue to the scene and check that they were all accounted for.

A member of crew went ashore at Middle Beach and checked that the casualties were all safe which they were, Swanage volunteer search and rescue Coastguards also attended.

The crew member returned to the lifeboat from Middle Beach and the lifeboat had began to return to station, when on route they came across a broken-down jet ski that was undertow by a speedboat, the lifeboat checked that they were okay and happy to continue, which they were.

Conditions in Poole Bay were choppy, with a bracing westerly wind, registering a force 6.

As the lifeboat headed back into the harbour, they were re-tasked by the Coastguard to assist a 24ft yacht with one person on-board that had dis-masted near the South Hook Buoy, which is just south of the Hook sands.

The lifeboat went alongside and transferred a member of crew across, who checked that the skipper was okay and then prepared the yacht to be towed back in with the mast and rigging trailing underneath.

A tow line was attached, and the lifeboat brought the stricken vessel into the harbour and on to its mooring off Shell Bay Marina.

The crew then hauled in the damaged mast, which was broken in several places, and secured and stowed away the sails, that were still attached with the rigging into the yacht.

With the vessel safe on its mooring, the lifeboat returned to station after a thorough wash down and then refuel the lifeboat was ready for service by 6pm.

RNLI

Poole lifeboat approaching the dismasted yacht
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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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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.

About the author

Anne-Marie Clark
Lifeboat Press Officer, Poole Lifeboat Station

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