Poole Lifeboat Station marked a significant landmark late yesterday evening in responding to its 6,000th callout in its 157 years of operation.

Both lifeboats were launched by UK Coastguard at 11.40pm on Friday February 4 to reports that two people were in difficulty in the water at Bournemouth Pier.

Poole Coastguard Rescue Team and Southbourne Coastguard assisted the RNLI and were also tasked to attend on the shoreline.

A spokesman from Poole Lifeboat Station said: “The volunteer lifeboat crew scrambled and were swiftly away down the harbour.

“There was a slight breeze from the bitterly cold easterly wind, the skies were clear, a fresh night.

“Whilst on route information came through over the radio, that both people were safe and in the care of the ambulance service.”

Although the response itself wasn’t noteworthy, it was a significant callout for Poole Lifeboat Station as it took their tally to 6,000 shouts since its formation in 1865.

“A huge number and a milestone, a time to reflect and to make it tangible," the spokesman added.

“Think of it in terms of sacrifices made by volunteers and their families, employers through the 157 years, to people helped and lives saved, and sadly ones that didn’t make it, all the lives we have touched and their families, their loved ones.”