Both Poole lifeboats were launched on the hottest day of the year by UK coastguard to a reported ‘Mayday' at 4:15pm (Tuesday July 19).
Information was limited as to the detail and location of the call, but it was narrowed down to Poole bay as the ‘Mayday’ was heard on both Hengistbury Head and Nine barrow down aerials.
Both lifeboats made their way through the busy harbour, then a Sunseeker called up over the radio, stating their position and that they had a jetski alongside that had called the initial ‘Mayday’.
The Atlantic arrived on scene and found one person on the jet ski and another person in the water, the lifeboat recovered the person into the lifeboat and commenced casualty care, the Sunseeker standing by was released to continue its passage, with thanks from the crew and UK Coastguard.
The D class arrived on scene, the casualty on the jetski was willing to drive the vessel back to its berth, both lifeboats escorted the jetski towards the harbour.
A member of the lifeboat crew who is PWC (personal watercraft) qualified swapped places with the casualty, as he was nervous about the amount of other vessel traffic, he transferred onto the Atlantic for the passage to Poole lifeboat station where medical care was available.
Conditions were choppy in the harbour and Poole bay as the wind had picked up.
The jetski was returned to Port of Poole and the casualties were reunited with their craft after being checked over by the station LMA (Lifeboat medical advisor).
Both lifeboats were ready for service by 6 pm.
Volunteer Helm Steve Porter said;
Today the casualties had a VHF radio which is a great means of calling for help.
The correct procedure for issuing a Mayday call is the following,
To issue a MAYDAY call on Channel 16 of your VHF radio:
1. Transmit "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY."
2. Say "This is (name of boat three times, call letters once)."
3. Repeat once more "MAYDAY" and your boat's name.
4. Report your location.
5. Report the nature of your emergency.
6. Report the kind of assistance needed.
7. Report the number of people on board and condition of any injured.
8. State your intentions (i.e. we are staying with the vessel).
9. Over.
If there is no response, repeat the message.
'Our thanks again to the Sunseeker for standing by and relaying vital information.'
