Poole lifeboat launched after 46 foot yacht hits chain ferry

Launched within minutes, the lifeboat crew found the double-hulled catamaran drifting down the channel inside the harbour. It had sustained extensive damage down its port side, and its port keel had broken off and was floating nearby.

It was the second time someone had collided with the chain ferry within the last few weeks. There was a strong flood tide and a south westerly breeze in the harbour.

Two lifeboat volunteers were transferred on-board the stricken vessel, to check that the occupants were okay. Although the damage to the yacht was extensive, there was no water ingress.

The vessel was towed to the quay and taken into Poole Quay Boat Haven.

RNLI volunteer helm Jonathan Clark said, “This is the second vessel that has collided with the ferry that we have launched to in recent weeks. Once more the strong flood tide has caught them out, thankfully this time, nobody was injured and hopefully the yacht can be repaired. The combination of the tides, the narrow entrance to the harbour and the chain ferry make this an extremely hazardous area.

“For the volunteers at Poole it has been an incredibly busy few months and the shout today brought the tally to 100.”

Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Paul Glatzel reflected on this tally and said, “To see our 100th launch occur so early in the year reflects how busy the last few months have been. After an initial slow start to the year due to the cold weather our volunteers have had an exceptionally busy summer with our Atlantic and D-Class lifeboats often launching multiple times per day and night. Thanks to every branch of the station from those that volunteer as crew to those that do so in the fundraising, visits, old lifeboat museum and community safety teams. The commitment required to respond to so many shouts and support such a busy station is considerable for volunteers and of course their families too. “

A Poole Harbour Commisioners’ vessel located the port keel and towed it to the quay as it was semi-submerged it could have been a hazard to navigation.