RNLI Poole crews deal with weekend incidents

Poole Lifeboats were requested to launch at 6.30pm on Sunday, August 14, to a report of vessel sinking as it was coming towards the quay with eight people onboard.

As the lifeboats launched with the salvage pump on board, the vessel passed the station very low in the water. Rescue crews quickly went alongside and a crew member off the D class was transferred with the intention to keep the vessel going and the lifeboats alongside – escorting the vessel up to Cobbs Quay.

The lifeboat crew had radioed ahead to arrange for a forklift to be on hand to lift the vessel out of the water.

Upon arrival at Cobbs Quay, the casualties disembarked onto the pontoon and the boat was then lifted out of the water for further inspection.

With everyone safe, the crewmember on the pontoon re-joined the D class and the lifeboats began returning to station.

Poole RNLI crews deal with incident on Sunday, August 14. Picture: RNLI Poole Lifeboat Station

However, as they were heading back up the Holes Bay the UK Coastguard re-tasked them to a vessel aground.

The vessel had also encountered engine failure while positioned just inside the harbour by the Chain Ferry on the north side sitting alongside a jetty.

Lifeboats arrived on scene to find the vessel, a cabin cruiser, hard aground with one person on board. It was decided the best cause of action was to wait for the tide to come back and re-float the vessel when it could then be towed safely to its mooring off Royal Motor Yacht Club.

Towing the vessel off may have caused damage to the boat. As the tide came back, a tow was attached and the vessel was brought safely back to its mooring.

This was the 107th call out this year for the volunteers at Poole.

The station will be hosting an open day on Sunday, August 21.