THREE people were rescued from their motor cruiser today after a blaze broke out on board.

RNLI lifeboats were launched this afternoon after the HM Coastguard Rescue Coordination Centre received a distress call from the stricken vessel shortly before 4.10pm.

Crew members were attempting to extinguish the fire but required immediate help.

Both the all-weather and inshore lifeboats launched immediately to help the crew, who were stranded in the Wareham Channel.

Volunteers helped those on board to safety and discovered there was still a small amount of smoke issuing from the vessel.

The motor cruiser was towed to Lake Pier, where firefighters from Poole and Hamworthy attended to ensure the fire was properly extinguished.

The three occupants of the boat were helped by Coastguard Rescue Officers from Poole.