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Poole Lifeboats launch to 60ft yacht taking on water

Lifeboats News Release

Poole Lifeboats were requested to launch at 4.45pm, Saturday March 5 by the UK Coastguard to a report of a vessel taking on water.

The 60ft yacht with three adults and a child onboard was making its way inbound to Poole when it started to take on water.

The lifeboats made good speed and were soon on scene in the Swash channel, two crew were transferred across from the Atlantic and one from the D class to assess the situation taking the salvage pump with them to try to stem the flow of water ingress. The salvage pump, alongside the crew bailing seemed to keep the ingress under control. As the light was fading, the lifeboats escorted the vessel back through the harbour to Poole Quay Boat Haven.

On arrival at Poole Quay Boat Haven, the marina staff attached their pump.

As the yacht and the occupants were all safe alongside, the lifeboats were stood down with thanks and returned to station. The lifeboat was ready for service 7.30pm.

For the Helm of the Atlantic, Poole Lifeboat volunteer Steve Porter, this ‘Shout’ will be memorable as it was his first as an Atlantic helm, Steve was ‘passed out’ just 24 hrs ago.

RNLI/Poole

Poole Lifeboats approaching the 60ft yacht
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RNLI/Poole

Poole RNLI volunteers passing the salvage pump onboard
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RNLI/Poole

Poole RNLI volunteers bailing with buckets alongside the pump
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RNLI/Poole

Crew boarding the yacht
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RNLI/Poole

Buckets also being used
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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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