Six boats break free from moorings in Poole

Boat owners are being encouraged to check their moorings after six boats broke free amid gale-force winds in Holes Bay, Poole.

Poole’s two lifeboats were tasked by Solent Coastguard to work alongside harbour control vessels and the police RIB to secure the boats that were breaking free of their moorings amid gale force north westerly winds.

Six vessels of various sizes had broken away from their moorings on the pontoons that lie just upstream from the Twin Sail Bridge.

When the lifeboats volunteers arrived on scene shortly after 11am, they immediately began to secure the vessels and tow them to safety, the Twin Sail Bridge remained opened as the lifeboats and other assets brought the boats through to moor alongside in sheltered pontoons.

When all the vessels were safe and secure, the lifeboats returned back to station and the volunteers back to work at 12.30pm.

Volunteer Coxswain Jonathan Clark said: ‘This morning was a good example of multi agencies working together – very well, thwarting what could have been a big incident.

‘Though the weather was particularly severe this morning, I would ask all boat owners to check their moorings, make sure that they are secure and that the mooring lines and ropes are in good condition and of adequate size, with more bad weather forecast, stay safe’.