Pictures by Dr Peter Harriman

POOLE-based attractions operator Merlin Entertainments has pledged a full investigation after 14 people were trapped in a 174ft observation tower.

Thirteen passengers, including an 11-month-old baby, were winched to safety by the coastguard helicopter after Weymouth’s Jurassic Skyline tower stalled.

The attraction, formerly called the Weymouth Sea Life Tower, rises 174ft over Weymouth and turns 360 degrees.

Fire-fighters were called to the stuck attraction at 4.12pm and used a platform to reach the 13 trapped passengers and one ride operator.

They explored “a number of rescue options” before the helicopter was scrambled. Its crew began winching people to safety at around 7.30pm.

After rescuing eight people, the crew had to break off to refuel the helicopter. The last of the trapped were rescued at around 10pm.

Several passengers praised 18-year-old ride operator Hannah Peeler.

Merlin, which runs famous attractions such as Legoland, Alton Towers, Sealife and London Dungeons, is based at Market Close, Poole.

It said in a statement: “A detailed investigation will now be conducted to discover the cause of the attraction’s breakdown and implement any measures necessary to prevent any recurrence.”

It said the Weymouth attraction, which opened in 2012, has carried more than half a million passengers.

“It is suspected the capsule stopped due to a mechanical issue,” a statement said.

A spokesman for the Skyline management team praised the rescue services.

He said: “We are relieved and grateful that everyone was brought down safe and well. We obviously offered our apologies to all involved and will keep in touch with those rescued to offer any support they may need.

“Several of them complimented our ride operator on her calm professionalism.”

One passenger, 75-year-old Peter Hyre, from Essex, said: “We actually got to the top and it started to go down for 30 seconds and then we heard a huge bang and it just stopped.”

Gary Woods from Dunstable, said: “I am not good with heights anyway but we were up there for six hours so it wasn’t the best experience of my life.

“I have two children who were up there with me. They were really good, thankfully.

“The young ride operator, Hannah, did very well. She constantly kept us up to date.

“I have received four stitches on my left ankle I got it after I got winched.”

An eyewitness said: “I was standing at the far end of the Pavilion car park when I heard a loud bang and the viewing platform seemed to be about a third of the way down the tower.”