MORE than 60 launches have been made by the RNLI at Poole Lifeboat Station this year, a number which is “substantially higher” than last year which has been described as "unprecedented".

On one of 63 callouts, lifeboat volunteers at the RNLI attended a man who cut his leg on their yacht at Goathorn in Purbeck yesterday afternoon. 

Poole lifeboat was launched by UK Coastguard at 5.40pm on Wednesday, June 22 to a man requiring medical assistance. 

The casualty was on a 10-metre yacht with another person when he fell, cutting his leg and had become poorly – suffering two seizures. 

Two volunteers were put onboard and dressed the cut later before he was put on a lifeboat when an ambulance was waiting at Poole Lifeboat Station. 

Meanwhile on the same day, a fishing vessel had suffered engine failure resulting in one person sustaining serious burns. 

The coastguard went to the fishing vessel at Aunt Betty buoy and volunteers cooled the burns and the casualty was soon taken to Poole Hospital. 

Volunteer helm Dave Riley said: “After an exceptionally busy few days and then two back-to-back medical calls, our crews have really been put to the test.  

“The hours of training and support by the crew and station back up team proved it worth tonight, when we are up against it, our casualty care skills are paramount and the team worked seamlessly together, to give the best possible care.  

“All of us from the station wish both of tonight’s casualties a speedy recovery.