RNLI called to help yacht in difficulty in Studland Bay

Poole Lifeboat was requested to launch by UK Coastguard at 2.30pm on Sunday to a yacht fouled on a marker buoy.

The 10-metre yacht, with three people onboard, had also suffered an engine overheat and one of the crew was becoming increasingly unwell in the choppy sea conditions.

The RNLI crew located the yacht in Studland Bay, where conditions were described as ‘uncomfortable’, with the wind blowing south-easterly force 4.

The police vessel, Buccaneer, was also on scene.

The yacht had become clear off the buoy, but at anchor due to engine issues.

A RNLI volunteer was transferred over to the yacht to make an initial assessment, before they helped to transfer the sick crew member to the lifeboat.

They were then taken back to Poole Lifeboat Station by the police boat for further care.

Still at sea, RNLI volunteers tested the yacht's engine, but the overheat alarm sounded again.

The skipper was happy to sail in through the harbour entrance and for the lifeboat to escort them.

Once safely inside the harbour, the lifeboat was able to return to the station.

It was refuelled and ready for service by 4.30pm.

Poole RNLI volunteer Stirling said: "We’re glad we were able to help the crew of the yacht get safely ashore today.

"Sadly, things can go wrong at sea and a fouled propeller, an overheat and a seasick crewmember all happening at once, the skipper did the right thing to call for assistance."

This was the 14th launch for Poole volunteers this year.