Both lifeboats tasked to jet ski collision

The UK Coastguard had requested that both of Swanage's lifeboats attend an incident near Old Harry Rocks. Information had been received that two jet skis and a motor boat had collided. The two jet skis were believed to be sinking and the status of the people onboard was unknown.

Both lifeboats launched with the all weather lifeboat arriving on scene first. A local watersports boat had taken the motorboat and jet skis in tow and was motoring slowly towards Swanage from the Old Harry area. The lifeboat went alongside to find out the situation and see what assistance was required. Thankfully nobody was injured but they were getting cold and were shaken from the experience. They were taken aboard the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) and their motor boat taken in tow back to Swanage.

The inshore lifeboat (ILB) stayed with the jet skis which although were both holed and partially submerged their internal buoyancy was keeping them afloat which meant they could be towed safely. Tow lines were rigged and the ILB headed for Swanage too.

A short time later the ALB landed the 4 casualties on the council jetty at the boatpark and handed them over to the volunteers from Swanage Coastguard. Their boat was secured and the ALB headed back to see if the ILB needed any assistance. As it happened the ILB was making reasonable progress with its tow and didn't require any help. Soon the jet skis were beached at the boatpark and both lifeboats were released to return to station.

ALB Crew: (Coxn) Dave Turnbull, Robert Aggas, Gavin Steeden, John Deas, Andy Redout, Neil Brooks, Adam O'Neill

ILB Crew: (Helm) Fergus Holley, Matthew Steeden, Alice Haw, Simon Foote
Shore Crew: (Winch) Julian Vass, (Head Launcher) Neil Collings, Martha Tavinor, Jeremy Stein

RNLI Media Contacts

Becky Mack, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]

Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]

Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.