The busy period for Poole Lifeboat Station volunteers continues with an unprecedented 24 hours taking this years callout figures to 63 launches.
The pagers rang out on the longest day of the year (Tuesday June 21) just after 9.30 pm to a report of a broken-down ski boat at Lake Pier, when the lifeboat arrived on scene, they found that the casualty had been assisted by a passing vessel, so all was well, the lifeboat was stood down with thanks and returned to station it was ready for service by 10.45 pm.
Then at 04.30 am (Wednesday June 22) the lifeboat was tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of person in the water off Fisherman’s walk as the lifeboat volunteers swiftly made their way through the harbour in the darkness, news came through that the person was safely ashore and in the care of the ambulance on scene, so the lifeboat returned station and was ready for service as the new day broke.
Shortly after 09.30 am the lifeboat was launched again to a report of a broken-down fishing dinghy in the harbour at South Deep.
The lifeboat volunteers were soon on scene and conducted a welfare check, to see that everyone was okay, the crew also helped in restarting their engine, as all was well the volunteer crew returned to station.
Then after 5.30 pm, the pagers rang out again, conditions were calm, a beautiful sunny evening.
Poole lifeboat was launched by UK Coastguard at 5:40 pm to a person requiring a medical evacuation.
The casualty was on a 10m yacht anchored at Goat Horn with another person when they fell cutting their leg and then became quite poorly - suffering two seizures. The lifeboat arrived on scene to find the male casualty sitting on deck.
Two volunteers were put onboard to administer casualty care and they dressed the cut leg. The casualty was then transferred onto the lifeboat and taken to a waiting ambulance at Poole Lifeboat Station, whilst one of the crew assisted the other person onboard to bring the yacht back to Poole Quay Boat Haven.
As the lifeboat was finishing up a new tasking came through over the radio. UK Coastguard requested the lifeboat to assist a fishing vessel with three people onboard, the boat had suffered engine failure and one person had serious burns, which required attention.
The lifeboat was soon on scene by Aunt Betty buoy, two crew were transferred across to administer first aid. The casualty had already started cooling the burn and the lifeboat volunteers continued with cooling and medical assessment. With the vessel drifting in the main channel a tow was established back to the lifeboat station. Care continued at the lifeboat station with continued cooling before onward care, transport was arranged to take the casualty to Poole Hospital.
Volunteer Helm Dave Riley said: ‘After an exceptionally busy few days and then two back-to-back medical calls, our crews have really been put to the test. The hours of training and support by the crew and station backup team proved it worth tonight, when we are up against it, our casualty care skills are paramount and the team worked seamlessly together, to give the best possible care. All of us from the station wish both of tonight’s casualty’s a speedy recovery.’
The lifeboat was washed down, refuelled, and medical equipment replenished, it was ready for service by 7:30 pm.
This takes the launch tally up to 63 this year, which is a substantially higher number compared with this time last year.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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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.
