PART of Poole Quay is sealed off this morning as police and maritime agencies deal with a boat that sunk in the harbour last night.

The Channel Chiefton IV foundered around 9pm on Monday evening near to the RNLI station at town quay in Poole Harbour.

According to witnesses, the vessel seems to have rolled over. Part of its hull is still visible above the water line.

Harbour master Brian Murphy said: "Initial concerns for the whereabouts of a crew member were allayed when he was located ashore.

"The sinking resulted in a minor oil pollution incident that triggered the oil spill contingency plan.

"Trained personnel employed by the Harbour Authority reacted promptly to the incident."

A boom has been put around the boat, to catch oil, which is lying on the surface of the water The vessel was detained by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and remained in Poole Harbour until the owner made arrangements for the recovery of the wreck.

The vessel, which is owned privately, was previously an old Peruvian fishing boat.

The quay is now open to transport although the immediate area remains closed to pedestrians.