ONLOOKERS might have thought they were witnesses to a major rescue operation when they saw the RNLI lifeboat escorting a passenger-laden ferry back to Poole Quay – but it was in fact a fundraising and training exercise.

Wareham RNLI organised the event on Monday morning in conjunction with Greenslade Pleasure Boats.

There were 84 people on board the Purbeck Gem which set off from Wareham Quay, and headed to Poole Quay. Not only was the trip a fundraiser for the RNLI station – but also a training exercise with the lifeboat towing the vessel home.

Fiona Cope, a director at Greenslade, said: “It’s brilliant for us as well as them as it gives our staff a chance to work closely alongside the RNLI.”