Wed 12 Jun

Both boats were launched at 2320 to a report of a man in the water off Bournemouth Pier. The Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) was first away and made its way as fast as it could to Bournemouth Pier. The All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) was also quickly underway but at its slower speed. The Police helicopter was also tasked to assist in the search. Police on the scene ashore gave intermittent visual sightings and reported that they could hear the man. The ILB arrived on scene and started a search. The helicopter quickly conned the ILB on to the man's location, about 800 yards East of the pier. The ILB crew found him underwater, and Steve Axtell had to jump into the water to collect him. Once the casualty was in the boat Gavin McGuinness immediately started first aid. James Haw was on the helm by this point and drove the ILB straight up Bournemouth beach to get the casualty into the hands of the waiting ambulance crew as quickly as possible.

The ALB on arrival had to tow the ILB off Bournemouth beach. Both boats then made their way back to the Station in company. The ILB engines overheated and was taken in tow by the ALB. The engines were found to have sand and shingle in the cooling water inlets and it took the Station Mechanic about 40 minutes to get the boat fully ready for service. The crew got home at around 0130.

ILB Crew
Steve Axtell - Helmsman, Gavin McGuinness, James Haw.

ALB Crew
Jon Clark - Coxswain, Mark Cole, Andy Elton, Mark Williams, Stuart Newcombe, Mike Haw.