Poole lifeboat was requested to launch at 10.40 by UK Coastguard just as Poole was feeling the full brunt of storm Eunice (Friday February 18).
Reports had come through that ‘cries for help’ had been heard from the vicinity of Poole Quay Boat Haven, which is a quarter of mile along the quay from the lifeboat station.
Conditions were extreme, with Poole on a red weather alert, a collision of gale-force west to south west winds and roaring tempestuous tide, as the lifeboat launched, it was at the top of the tide.
The lifeboat volunteers were soon on scene and a search ensued around the pontoons and the marina, Search and rescue Coastguards were on scene shore side also searching.
Conditions did not let up, and the volunteers continued with the search but as nothing untoward was found, they were eventually stood down and returned to station.
The lifeboat was made ready for service by 12.30pm, the volunteers grateful to be back safely alongside.
Poole Lifeboat volunteer Helm Jonathan Clark said:
‘As the stormy weather continues, don’t put yourself in danger, if you see anyone else in trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, stay home and stay safe.'
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.
