Two call outs for Poole lifeboats volunteers

Poole lifeboat volunteers were requested to launch by UK Coastguard just before 5pm (Sunday May 2) to a report of a 17ft sailing yacht with two people on-board that had run aground 100 metres north of the entrance to the river Frome, west of Giggers Island. The vessel had been aground for most of the day.

The D class was soon on scene and found the vessel, firmly stuck on the mud, the lifeboat crew checked that the occupants were okay. Conditions were cloudy, a slight north north west breeze, the sea state was smooth.

The occupants were fine, but as they had been there some time, the decision was made to extract the people and take them to a safe haven, as the vessel was not going to re-float soon. The anchor was deployed to secure the vessel and the D class took the tender under tow, and transferred the occupants, taking them back to Lake Yard.

As all was safe and well the lifeboat returned to station, washed down, refuelled and were ready for service by at 6.15pm.

Then, just after 7pm the pagers rang out again, UK Coastguard requested an immediate launch to a person in the water off Sandbanks.

The lifeboat made good speed, the casualty was reported to be near the RNLI lifeguard station as the lifeboat approached it was apparent that the casualty was out of the water, safe and on the beach being cared for by the police.

Two lifeboat crew went ashore to administer casualty care, as this was transpiring an ambulance arrived on scene, so the lifeboat crew handed over to the paramedics.

The lifeboat crew returned to the lifeboat standing by and then returned to station.

After a thorough wash-down and refuel the lifeboat was made ready for service just before 8pm

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 142,700 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.