Inflatables drifting out to sea with kids, spark emergency call

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.

Advertisement 

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 rescue yacht
Poole RNLI

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

https://www.facebook.com/277080114763/videos/662331617655795/

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.

Share this story

Contact us

Do you have anything to add to this story?

We like to keep everything up-to-date, so if you know more, please help us by getting in touch.

Advertisement 

Top stories

New BBC Winterwatch puts Purbeck back in TV spotlight In what is likely to be a final visit, BBC cameras will be returning to RSPB Arne in Dorset for the TV programme Winterwatch, to once again highlight the amazing ... 1 month ago Ten year transport plan puts Purbeck at top of wish list 4 weeks ago Purbeck pub Rivo’s Hub opens its doors as it revs up for 2025 1 month ago Swanage woman charged with shoplifting at the Co-op 2 weeks ago Swanage care home reopens after death of three residents 4 weeks ago

Most recent

Historical novel by Purbeck writer inspired by freedom fighter aunt Purbeck writer Greg Duncan drew from his family tree when he wrote his first historical novel - for his aunt had been a freedom fighter in France during World War ... 14 hours ago It’s most unusual – Sir Tom Jones will finally headline Lulworth festival 2 days ago Desert sand to be strewn on Lawrence of Arabia’s Purbeck grave 3 days ago Swanage town mayor holds Golden Charity Ball 4 days ago Appeal to buy defibs in memory of Wareham boy Shaun 5 days ago