A DRAMATIC video shows Swanage Lifeboat battling with some extremely choppy seas to rescue a yacht caught on fishing gear.
In the video, the lifeboat crew can be seen edging closer to the yacht, despite poor visibility, before towing it to safety.
The incident took place on Saturday June 2 south east of Durlston Head.
The UK Coastguard say they were contacted by a 42’ yacht, ‘Sundancer’ after it became tangled by the stern on fishing gear.
A spokesman for Swanage Lifeboat Station said: “The lifeboat was then launched and made good speed for most of the passage to the casualty’s position, then poor visibility slowed progress a little.
“Once at the scene, the lifeboat found Sundancer and her four crew members to be firmly anchored stern to the tide. Various attempts were made to free her and eventually the vessel found herself floating free, but unable to move her rudder or start her engine.
“A tow was attached, and a small drogue streamed behind Sundancer in an attempt to counter the stuck port helm she had on, the tow was estimated to take around two hours in what was very poor visibility.
They added: “Two hours later the visibility cleared at the same time as the lifeboat entered Swanage Bay and a short time later the yacht was secured to the lifeboat mooring.”
The lifeboat was back on the slipway at 1.27pm, and the Sundancer’s crew made arrangements for a diver to investigate the damage.
Picture: The yacht being towed by Swanage Lifeboat. Credits: Swanage Lifeboat Station
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