
Both boats launched to report of multiple red flares being fired in Swanage Bay
Both of Swanage's lifeboats were requested to launch this afternoon following reports of multiple red flares being fired.
The inshore lifeboat was the first to launch followed by the all weather lifeboat a few minutes later.
The inshore lifeboat (ILB) was first on scene and located a vessel which had recovered three people from the water a few minutes earlier. Their boat had sunk with little warning, they had managed to fire some flares but then ended up in the water. The three casualties were all getting cold so they were transferred to the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) and landed ashore where they were taken in to the lifeboat station to warm up and be checked over as there were concerns that they had ingested some water.
The ILB had remained on scene with the casualty vessel as its bow was still floating slightly proud of the water and posed a danger to navigation. They had collected up all the floating debris and drifted down tide until the ALB arrived back on scene. The casualty vessel was getting lower and lower in the water as the air escaped from its bow and a few minutes later completely sank. No further debris was found and with the situation now resolved both boats were free to return to station.
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
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