TWO lifeboats from Swanage were launched yesterday afternoon after a 56-foot yacht ran aground off Purbeck.

Both of the vessels from Swanage Lifeboat Station were launched at 2.36pm on Sunday, May 30, to a distress call from the beached yacht at Chapman’s Pool, near Worth Matravers.

However, whilst on their way to the stranded vessel, information came through that the yacht had freed itself and was no longer stuck in the shallows.

One of the lifeboats returned to Swanage whilst the other checked on the boat’s condition before returning to the station.

A spokesman from the RNLI said: “A strong ebb tide was running across Peveril Ledges as both boats made their way through the choppy area of sea, then the Shannon Class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) pulled ahead making best speed to St Albans Head.

“While on route, information was received that the yacht had been pulled free and was a little way outside the shallow and rocky cove, so the ILB was released to return to station while the ALB continued to check on the yacht’s condition.

“The ALB arrived alongside the yacht around 15 minutes after launching.

“The skipper had checked for damage and water ingress as well as propulsion and steerage – all seemed well, so the lifeboat was released to return to sunny Swanage.”