LIFEBOAT volunteers were called to an emergency call after a 19-foot vessel ran aground in Poole Harbour on Tuesday.

A crewmember aboard the Cornish shrimper made a 'pan pan' message at 12.50pm when the vessel ran into trouble halfway between Furzey Island and Round Island.

'Pan pan' calls are made when the safety of a person or a boat is in serious jeopardy.

The vessel was stranded in water so shallow that an RNLI volunteer was able to wade over to it.

A second lifeboat was then launched at 1.15pm to assist.

However, a crewman standing in waist-deep water was able to attach a tow to the shrimper and lifeboats eased the vessel into deeper water.

A volunteer from the crew said: "As the Cornish shrimper was none the worse for its adventure, it continued on with its afternoon sail."

Both Poole lifeboats were returning to the station when they received a further 'pan pan' call from a RIB which had broken down.

A person aboard the craft had dropped anchor at the end of the East Looe Channel, which runs from the entrance of the harbour along Sandbanks.

Crews attached a tow to the RIB, retrieved the anchor and brought the craft back to the Poole Quay Boat Haven.

RNLI volunteers have urged visitors to the coastline during the summer to stay safe.

A spokesperson said: "We'd like to ask all water users to check the weather and tide conditions and make sure all equipment is in working order.

"Carry a means of calling for help should something go wrong, know your capabilities and make sure you wear the necessary safety equipment.

"Let someone know where you are heading and when you expect to be back."