Crew rescued From Sinking Yacht Off Swanage

At 3.30pm on Sunday afternoon (Sept 5th) the Yacht "Sea Thyme" made a MAYDAY distress call from a position of 6 miles south west of Swanage - they reported they were taking on water.

The coastguard Helicopter 106 from Portland was returning from another incident and was quickly overhead.

A winchman was lowered to the deck to assist the two people on board the 37ft yacht, while Swanage RNLI lifeboat proceeded.

On arrival the lifeboat's salvage pump was deployed to clear the water and the lifeboat then towed the yacht into Poole Harbour.

Ros Evans, Watch Manager, Portland Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said:

"Fortunately the Coastguard helicopter was in the area after attending a separate incident and responded very quickly.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind boat users to always be prepared when they set sail by checking their engine, safety gear, radio, weather conditions and to register with the Coastguard's CG66 Voluntary Safety Identification Scheme, which can be found on www.mcga.gov.uk "