LIFEBOAT teams rushed to the rescue of a 38ft yacht after it had lost its steerage.

Poole RNLI lifeboat volunteers were called three times in a busy St George’s Day.

Firstly, crews were requested to launch at 3.45pm by to a report of a 38ft yacht with three people on-board in difficulty having lost its steerage.

The stricken yacht was heading inbound, approaching the Sandbanks chain ferry, when it lost all steerage and began drifting towards the ferry.

When the lifeboat arrived on scene, the yacht was aground just outside the harbour entrance.

A towline was attached, and the yacht was eased back afloat. The lifeboat then brought the yacht safely back to the Port of Poole marina.

Volunteer helm Dave Riley said: “It was an unfortunate incident for the yacht today and the steering cable broke at the worst possible moment as they approached the harbour entrance. They did the right thing in attempting to deploy an anchor and swiftly calling for help.”

During this service call, the D class was launched to two paddleboarders were reported in difficulty near to the harbour entrance. Further information then came through that the two people were safe and well so the D class was requested to stand down.

At 6.30pm, the D class was tasked to assist three young paddle boarders who had made it to Brownsea Island after the conditions had deteriorated.

The lifeboat crew checked that the casualties were okay then they arranged to take the paddleboarders back to North Haven Yacht.