POOLE lifeboat crews went to the aid of a 41ft motor yacht sinking in Poole Bay.

They were alerted at 7pm on Sunday and discovered that the yacht, with one person on board, had a problem with its outdrive and water was coming in.

The lifeboat towed the vessel to Parkstone Bay marina, where the travel hoist had been prepared so that the lifeboat could take the vessel straight in and it was lifted out of the water.

Earlier crews had helped an 11-metre yacht with two people on board which had run aground near Aunt Betty Buoy outside the main channel.

The boat was pulled clear and made its way to Poole Quay Boat Haven.

At 8.30pm the lifeboat was called to the aid of a woman who had fallen and injured her back on rocks near the Haven Hotel. She was helped to safety.

The lifeboat returned to the station and was again ready for service by 10.30pm.