The alarm was raised by a private RIB transiting the area outside the RNLI Training College after a cry for help was heard.

Poole lifeboat was launched by UK Coastguard just before 2.15pm on 31 July and the RIB passengers also alerted a nearby RYA training school boat – RIB Harrier  – they immediately put their RIB alongside the casualty, who appeared to have trapped his leg in a line between his vessel and tender and also had damaged his shoulder. He had been in the water for half-an-hour or so and was in pain.

Another training school RIB moored alongside and one crew member issued a DSC distress alert followed by a Mayday call. The RIB Harrier crew tried to haul the casualty onboard, but this proved tricky. The PHC harbour launch Vixen arrived on scene and the crews between them managed to get the casualty free and on to the RIB.

Conditions were squally, with a south westerly wind.

The lifeboat went alongside the casualty and transferred three crew members across to administer first aid.

The lifeboat crew got the RIB driver to manoeuvre the RIB gently to the RNLI College, where an ambulance crew had been requested to attend. The casualty was taken to hospital for treatment an the lifeboat returned to its station and was washed down, refuelled and ready for service by 4pm.