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Lifeboat launches to assist motor vessel with engine difficulties

Lifeboats News Release

The Swanage all-weather lifeboat launched to the aid of a small motorboat with 2 crew on board when conditions prevented them from re-fuelling.

Swanage Shannon class lifeboat

RNLI/Andy Lyons

Swanage Shannon class lifeboat
Breezy conditions and a choppy sea meant that the boat was rolling considerably and it proved impossible to get fuel from their spare container into the fuel tank. The crew contacted the UK Coastguard, who in turn called for the help of the Swanage Shannon class lifeboat.
The Swanage National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) were able to give the lifeboat an accurate bearing to the casualty boat, and the lifeboat was on scene just 8 minutes after launching. A crew was transferred to help set up a tow and the two boats made their way into Poole Harbour.
In the shelter of the harbour re-fuelling was possible and the boat was quickly re-started. After a short escort towards Poole Quay the lifeboat volunteer was recovered to the lifeboat and the motor boat left to continue its passage.
The lifeboat returned to Swanage and was re-housed at 3.00pm

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.

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