Poole Lifeboat crews respond to range of weekend incidents

Poole Lifeboat was first requested to launch by UK Coastguard at 9am on Friday, June 17, to a report of a vessel on fire between the Poole bridges to which Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service had also been tasked.

Seeing the distress, another person unrelated to the boat party had gone to help and was on-board checking the engine when the lifeboat arrived.

Crews arrived on scene and found the boat, an 18ft cabin cruiser, anchored with two people, the ‘good Samaritan’, and a dog on-board.

Picture: Poole Lifeboat Station

There was no sign of fire or smoke and the ‘good Samaritan’ onboard said that the engine had over-heated and that spillage over the exhaust of the engine had caused a lot of steam, giving the impression of fire.

As it was apparent that there was a problem with the engine, a tow was attached and the lifeboat brought the vessel safely back to its mooring at Cobbs Quay.

Volunteer helm Alex Evans said: “Thanks to the chap who initially responded from his mooring for his swift actions.”

Later, just before 10.30pm, crews were requested to assist with a medical evacuation at North Haven Steps. They rendezvoused with paramedics and transported them and their equipment across to treat a poorly person at Shell Bay beach.

Busy weekend for RNLI volunteers in Poole. Picture: Poole Lifeboat Station

Casualty care was administered, and the person was transported back across to the North Haven Steps where an ambulance was standing by to take them to hospital.

The busy weekend continued on Saturday at 2.30pm when a launch request came through to assist a 29ft yacht which was taking on water. The stricken vessel issued a Pan-Pan distress signal and was some seven miles south east of the entrance of Poole Harbour with two people on board.

Crews swiftly responded and found the boat before escorting it as it made its way through the choppy sea. Conditions in Poole Bay were rough, with a north easterly wind blowing at around 30 knots.

The yacht, with the lifeboat alongside, continued back into Poole Harbour and was placed on a safe mooring in Holes Bay.

Busy weekend for RNLI volunteers in Poole. Picture: Poole Lifeboat Station

Several more incidents were also reported, including two people in an open canoe who called for help after being unable to cope with the wind conditions in the Balls Lake area.

Volunteer helm Steve Porter said: “We advise to always check the forecast before you venture out and be prepared for all eventualities best you can and carry a means for calling for help.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help as it is unpredictable out on the water. It has been a busy couple of days, we want people to enjoy themselves out on the water but we also want people to be within their limits and be safe.”