A Mayday call from a passing yacht prompted a swift emergency response involving the Swanage lifeboat crew, coastguard, and nearby vessels, saving the life of a fisherman whose boat had suddenly overturned in open sea.
The incident unfolded just after 12 noon on Tuesday 14th April 2026, when the 24 foot fishing boat, understood to be from Poole, capsized approximately four nautical miles out at sea from Swanage in Dorset.
Swanage’s all weather lifeboat launches and heads towards the emergency situation following the Mayday call
Spotted waving for help
The local fisherman, who was the only one on board, was left stranded, clinging to the sinking hull but fortunately he was spotted waving for help by a passing yacht.
The yacht’s crew issued a Mayday call – the highest level of international radio distress signal indicating a life threatening situation – which was received by HM Coastguard.
In response, the Swanage all weather lifeboat was launched at 12.29 pm, and headed towards the distressed vessel in light to moderate sea conditions.
Swanage’s all weather lifeboat regularly returns casualties back to Poole Harbour
“Cold and shocked casualty”
Swanage Lifeboat Station reported:
“While on route, the yacht informed the lifeboat that another fishing vessel had managed to recover the casualty from the barely floating upturned hull.
“A few minutes later the lifeboat was alongside and transferred the cold and shocked casualty to the warmth of the wheelhouse.”
The Swanage lifeboat then transported the fisherman to Poole Quay yacht haven, where coastguard teams and an ambulance were waiting.
Within 20 minutes, the man, now much warmer and uninjured, was able to be safely handed over to the Poole Coastguard volunteers.
The position of the sinking fishing vessel was broadcast to other maritime traffic by HM Coastguard, to warn them of the hazard.
