A YACHT pinned against Poole Bridge was pulled to safety by the RNLI on Saturday lunchtime.

The incident took place during Poole RNLI's recruitment day, with the inshore lifeboat launched to assist the two crew members aboard the 40ft yacht.

A spokesperson for Poole RNLI said the yacht was being refuelled by the bridge when the tide caught the crew unaware, causing the boat to drift into the bridge.

"It was very gentle, but the rigging became entangled in the bridge, complicating the situation", the spokesperson said.

"It was very unfortunate for the crew but as the bridge was closed we took the opportunity to launch the lifeboat and help them out."

The RNLI crew pulled the boat off the bridge and the yacht continued it's journey to Cowes.