28th June 2022. This is how we really are the Eyes Along The Coast for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Yesterday at about 17:40 a RIB called HM Solent Coastguard with a PanPan message which was quickly upgraded to a Mayday call due to an engine fire.

At 17:44, HM Coastguard called NCI Hengistbury Head to ask them to assist in locating the vessel as its position was reported as being somewhere in Poole Bay between Poole and the Needles. Obsevation was quickly established by the watchkeepers and, at 17:54, the Mudeford Lifeboat launched and once on scene was assisting the RIB. At 18:03, the watchkeepers called HM Coast Guard and confirmed that no further assistance was required and the vessel was being towed safely to Lymington.