Two inflatable dinghies blown out to sea off the Studland coast with two adults and three children, initiated an emergency response on Sunday 5th July 2020, including three lifeboats, Swanage Coastguard and a rescue helicopter.
With reports that the people were now in the water, both the Swanage inshore lifeboat (ILB) and the Shannon all weather lifeboat quickly launched at 2.20 pm and headed towards Old Harry Rocks.
Meanwhile, a local boat has been able to rescue the people, recover both the dinghies and get them back to shore safely. The Swanage and Poole Lifeboat crews were able to confirm the safety of the casualties and liaised with Swanage Coastguard on Studland’s Middle Beach.
24 ft yacht with a broken mast
The Swanage Lifeboat crew then returned to the lifeboat house, only to be called out again to reports that a 24 ft yacht, heading towards Poole Harbour, had a broken mast.
This time, the Poole Lifeboat was on the scene quickly and it was able to tow the yacht back into the harbour, allowing the Swanage crew to again return to base.
Poole RNLI tows the yacht back into Poole Harbour
“Please know your limits”
Poole Lifeboat volunteer helm, Jonathan Clark said:
“It’s been a busy few days for us, with some different incidents and situations. It’s been bright but the conditions have been blustery. If you are heading out on the water, please know your limits and don’t put yourself at risk, stay safe.”
Watch Poole RNLI rescuing stricken yacht
Dog falls off cliff
In a further incident for the emergency services during yesterday’s busy afternoon, Swanage Coastguard was called to a report of a dog that had fallen from the cliffs out towards Old Harry Rocks.
Despite the fall, the dog survived without any injuries and managed to get to Studland’s South Beach, where it was met by the coastguard patrol and its relieved owners.
