Swanage lifeboat launches into darkness to assist seasick sailors.
Swanage RNLI volunteers launched just after midnight to assist two seasick sailors at the Northern end of Swanage Bay.
The yacht's engine had failed earlier in the evening so the crew had anchored to try and rectify the issue. In the choppy conditions they were becoming increasingly sea sick as the yacht rolled from side to side. Shortly after midnight one of the yacht's crew contacted the Coastguard as they were becoming concerned as the other crew member was getting increasingly unwell.
The lifeboat launched and was soon on scene. Two crew were put aboard the yacht to assess the casualties and get them to a place of safety. To ensure the safety of the yacht's crew the Coxswain elected to take the yacht in tow to the calm and sheltered waters of Poole Harbour and get them a marina berth overnight. The towline was passed across, the yacht's anchor raised and the slow tow to Poole began. A little over two hours later the yacht was secured in Poole Quay Boat Haven where they were met by the Poole Coastguard volunteers. The lifeboat was then released to return to station.
The lifeboat was finally back on its slipway just before 4am where it was washed down, refuelled and made ready for the next service.
ALB Crew: (Coxn) Tom Greasty, Gavin Steeden, John Deas, Matthew Steeden, Ben Jarvis, Scott Turner
Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Dave Turnbull, Archie Burgess, Jeremy Stein, Neil Collings
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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