A MAN left “clinging on” to a boat after a fire on a yacht was rescued by lifeboat crews.

Volunteers from Poole and Swanage were sent out after a call at just before 11pm on Saturday night (April 13), reporting a blaze on a vessel.

The 24ft yacht was reported to be off the Lake Road slipway, and was “well alight” when crews arrived, an RNLI spokesperson said.

“Conditions in the harbour were still with a slight breeze from the south west,” they went on.

“From the shore, on scene Poole Coastguard Rescue Team had eyes on the casualty, he had jumped overboard and had swum to another boat, where he had been clinging on.

“Poole lifeboat crew recovered him from the boat and carried out casualty care. The casualty was very cold, and oxygen was administered.

“The casualty confirmed that he was the only person onboard the stricken vessel.”

The drama unfolded near the Lake Road slipway in Poole. Picture: Google

The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was also on the scene and an ambulance had been requested.

“The lifeboat volunteers took the casualty ashore where he was transferred into the care of the waiting ambulance crew and taken to hospital,” the spokesperson added.

“The D class lifeboat returned to station, while the Atlantic stood by watching over the vessel as it burnt down to the water.

“When all safe and secure, the lifeboat returned to station and was washed down, refuelled and the crew had a debrief.

“The lifeboats were ready for service by 1.30am.”

The incident was the 17th and 18th launch for the station so far in 2024.