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Poole RNLI lifeboats launched to vessel ablaze

Lifeboats News Release

Both Poole lifeboats were immediately launched by UK Coastguard just after 8.30pm (Monday August 2) to a report of a boat on fire.

RNLI/Poole

The vessel ablaze with the lifeboat standing by
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Poole Lifeboat volunteers were tasked to attend a boat on fire at Parkstone Yacht Club. When the lifeboats arrived on scene, the vessel, a 10 metre catamaran yacht was well alight.

The lifeboat crew liaised with Dorset Fire and Rescue to ascertain that there had been no people onboard, which thankfully there hadn’t.

Conditions were calm and still, with a southerly breeze.

The lifeboats were asked to provide safety cover and maintain a minimum of 50 metre exclusion zone. A number of people had gathered, on land and on water, to get a closer look and the billowing acrid black smoke could be seen for miles.

The vessel had been on a mooring when it had gone up in flames, a quick-thinking bystander ‘let it go’ so it would drift towards the breakwater to settle on the mud and away from other vessels.

The lifeboats stood by as the vessel was burning down, meanwhile, provision was being made by the Deputy Harbour Master, to contain any pollution.

Poole Coastguard Rescue Team and Southbourne Coastguards were also standing by and provided the safety cover, shoreside.

A discussion was then held between the agencies on scene as to the next steps.

As there was no life in danger and the fire was contained, the lifeboat crews were stood down, with thanks and returned to station.

Both lifeboats were refuelled, washed down, and made ready for service by 10.45pm.

This takes the callouts for Poole Lifeboats to 77 so far this year.

RNLI/Poole

Poole RNLI attending the scene
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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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