A ROUTINE morning walk prompted a welfare check after a coastguard team member spotted a yacht.
The Swanage Coastguard team member noticed the vessel anchored at the north end of Swanage Bay during a Force 6 easterly wind, which left the bay empty of other boats and raised concerns about the yacht’s safety.
A coastguard officer attended the National Coastwatch Institution lookout at Peveril Point to get a clearer view and confirmed the vessel was rolling heavily due to the conditions on Tuesday, August 25.
Swanage Coastguard said: "There was a concern that if the yacht’s anchor dragged, it could be driven straight onto the shore."
Solent Coastguard was contacted, and the RNLI inshore lifeboat was tasked to carry out a welfare check.
The coastguard team monitored the situation from the shore, ensuring the safety of both the yacht and lifeboat crew.
The RNLI crew reached the yacht and spoke with the single crew member on board.
After assessing the situation, it was agreed that the lifeboat would escort the yacht around to Poole.
Swanage Coastguard said: "A big thank you to the RNLI crew for their assistance and professionalism, and to the team at Solent Coastguard for their support."
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