Weymouth lifeboat called to cruiser in crisis (From Dorset Echo)

Weymouth lifeboat called to cruiser in crisis

5:00pm Friday 17th July 2009 in

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A MOTOR cruiser battered by rough seas in Lulworth Cove had to be towed off the beach by rescuers today.

The 45ft Avalon, with two crew members on board, lost power in bad weather then dragged its anchor into the shallow waters of the picturesque cove.

It ran ashore around 4am when hefty waves and gale force winds continued to hamper the crew.

With gusts approaching 40mph, Weymouth’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat, an inshore lifeboat, and Lulworth Coastguard rescue officers rushed to the scene.

Two lifeboat crewmen managed to clamber aboard to assess the situation and attach a tow rope.

A coastguard spokesman said: “It wasn’t good weather to be out in and at one point the Avalon was touching the bottom.

“The fear was the vessel could become beached than battered by strong waves.

“The longer a vessel is beached the more dangerous the situation can become.

“The Avalon ran out of fuel and had no power, so a portable pump was transferred on board.”

The cruiser was eventually towed to Portland Marina, where it was lifted out of the water so the hull could be inspected.

No one was injured in the incident and it is not thought the vessel sustained major damage.

Meanwhile, as this rescue was takling place the yacht, Red Albin, was also struggling in rough seas off Lulworth Cove.

The yacht, with one man onboard, lost power and also dragged its anchor towards the beach.

Coastguard officers kept in touch with the skipper until conditions calmed down.