The lifeboats were tasked by UK Coastguard just after 6.30pm on Saturday 9 October. The stricken vessel was aground with four youngsters and three adults on board.

The D class was first on scene and found the rib south of Brownsea, just off Blood Alley. Conditions were calm, but the light was fading fast and the air temperature had begun to drop.

The Atlantic arrived and stood by as the water was extremely shallow. After deciding to take the children and one adult off the rib, a lifeboat crew member went across to help with the transfer via the D class and then on to the Atlantic lifeboat, which took them quickly ashore. The RNLI crew member stayed to assist with securing an anchor so the rib would re-float on the high tide the following day.

Meanwhile the water was fast running out and the crew member and remaining two casualties had to walk to the north side of Brownsea where the D class could pick them up. By now it was pitch black.

After delivering the two casualties to Salterns, where Poole Coastguard were shoreside, the lifeboats returned to the station and were ready for service by 8.30pm.