Back to back calls for Poole RNLI volunteers during busy weekend

The D class was launched Saturday evening (June 24) just after 9pm to a report of an 8m yacht requiring assistance as it had a fouled prop, it was reported to be on a buoy near to the old chain ferry. The old chain ferry is situated in the Wych Channel and is now used for processing shellfish.

As the lifeboat crew were underway, the two people on board had managed to free themselves and the Poole Yacht club launch had arrived to assist, the lifeboat checked all was okay, which they were, and the PYC launch towed the yacht back to the club marina. Shortly after, another vessel in the vicinity flagged the lifeboat down as they had encountered an issue with their anchor, the lifeboat crew stopped to help and gave some advice, the lifeboat returned to station, where it was made ready for service just before 10pm.

The sultry weather continued into Sunday bringing lots of folks, out and about on the water.

Just before 2pm (Sunday June 25) there was a direct page, an immediate launch for the Atlantic and then the D class, to a report of a vessel on fire. The vessel with eight people on board had been reported to be at the back of Brownsea Island in the harbour.

The D class located the vessel off Sandbanks boat club, thankfully the vessel had not been on fire, however there had been excessive smoke from the engine, so it was better to be safe then sorry. The lifeboat volunteers checked that everyone was okay, which they were, the lifeboats returned to station.

The lifeboats were refuelled and made ready for service, but as the crew were up in the station another launch request came through at 3.15pm, the crew returned to the Atlantic lifeboat and were swiftly away.

A report came through that two kayaks had been blown out from Studland towards the Training Bank, The Training Bank is the long rock groyne located between Knoll Beach and Shell Bay.

When the lifeboat arrived on scene, they found that another kayaker had paddled out to help them and had brought them back to a safe place.

Whilst in Studland the lifeboat crew spotted a joint paddle board with a family on- board (two adults and two children), the wind had caught it and they were being blown precariously far off the beach, out into Poole Bay. The Lifeboat brought the family back to the safety of the beach.

Then, the crew were tasked to a blue kayak that was also being blown away offshore, they were, two or three miles out, off Old Harry heading towards the shipping lane. When the lifeboat arrived on scene, they found that the blue kayak had been picked up by the water sports rental rib, the kayaker was safely on board and being taken back to the shore.

The lifeboat returned back to station, however just before 4pm, both lifeboats were re-tasked to a person with chest pains on Studland beach, the Atlantic was still in the area.

The D class was requested to re-launch to support, with so many incidents going on.

The person with the chest pains had managed to make his own way to Ferry Road where an ambulance was on scene, so the lifeboats returned to station, but not for long , shortly after at 5.15pm the Atlantic was tasked to Bournemouth Pier to assist the police and standby, but as the lifeboat headed down the harbour, they were stood down with thanks and requested that they return to station.

The lifeboats were requested again, there was a report of two missing teenage girls last seen in the water by Bournemouth Pier. Both lifeboats were launched but once more stood down as they were making their way down through the harbour, good news had come through over the radio that the RNLI lifeguards on the beach had found the girls safe and well.

Once more the lifeboats returned to station and were washed down and refuelled, made ready for service by 7pm with the crew heading home as most of them had been there since early afternoon.

Volunteer Helm Alex Evans said:

‘The wind was certainly a factor today with the offshore catching a few people out, conditions change so quickly, the winds can pick up and carry a paddler out to sea instantly.

‘We want people to have fun and to stay safe, so please check the forecast, be aware of the conditions and stay nearer to the shore. We would advise people to wear a buoyancy aid and the appropriate clothing, also a leash when paddle boarding. Lastly, always have the means to call for help, and just don’t take risks.’

A special mention for two trainee crew, Sam, and Marcin, it was their first times out on the lifeboats on a shout, in earnest.

And with that flurry of activity the ‘Shout’ tally is up to 69, so far this 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 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.