A STOLEN boat which was being “driven erratically” in Poole Harbour yesterday morning was recovered by police after finding two people hiding in the cabin.

Poole Lifeboat Station were informed of the stolen vessel by UK Coastguard on Sunday September 19 and both vessels assisted police officers onboard the Harbour Patrol boat 'Vanguard'.

A spokesman from Poole Lifeboat Station said: “Both Lifeboats were out on exercise on the morning of Sunday September 19 when they were tasked by UK Coastguard to assist the Harbour Patrol boat 'Vanguard', who had police officers on-board proceeding to a reported stolen boat.

“The boat was being driven erratically in Poole Harbour, so the lifeboats were tasked to stand by in case anyone jumped off the vessel into the water.

“Conditions in the harbour were calm with a gentle north westerly breeze. The vessel was swiftly located; it had just gone aground in shallow waters at Whitley Lake."

Officers were then transferred to the lifeboat to allow them to get to shallower waters and to commandeer the stolen boat.

The 24ft fishing boat was located close to Whitley Lake and two people were found onboard.

“It was decided to transfer the police officers on to the lifeboat and to take them to the vessel for further investigation as the Harbour Patrol boat could not go into the shallow water,” the spokesman added.

“The police officers were then transferred across to the stolen vessel, which was a small 24ft fishing boat, they discovered two people hiding in the forward cabin.

“The lifeboat then conveyed the police officers and two people back to the Vanguard, who took them back ashore.

“The lifeboat volunteers then towed the stricken vessel into deeper water and secured it to a mooring on the edge of the channel.

“The lifeboats returned to station, washed down and were ready for service by 1.30pm.”

Dorset Police have been contacted for further information.