Dramatic moment lifeboat crews rescue a 30ft yacht after it smashed into a ferry

This is the dramatic moment a yacht had to be rescued after it collided with a chain ferry.

The 30ft yacht became trapped against the Sandbanks Ferry carrying dozens of passengers at the entrance of the harbour in Poole, Dorset.

Battling a fierce tide for more than an hour, two lifeboat crews connected a towline to the stricken yacht which was crashing against the ferry’s steel hull and pulled it clear from danger.

The two passengers on board the yacht were then helped into one of the lifeboats to the cheers of the passengers watching on from the ferry’s deck.

They were ‘shaken’ but not injured and after being given the all clear carried on sailing to Poole Harbour.

Volunteer senior helm Jonathan Clark, of Poole Lifeboat, said: ‘This was a difficult job, in challenging conditions, as the spring tide was at its peak.

‘The sea is unpredictable and it’s a notorious bottle neck in the harbour which has caught many experienced seafarers out, thankfully it was a good outcome.’

The 30ft yacht became trapped against the Sandbanks Ferry carrying dozens of passengers at the entrance of the harbour in Poole, Dorset

Battling a fierce tide for more than an hour, two lifeboat crews connected a towline to the stricken yacht which was crashing against the ferry’s steel hull and pulled it clear from danger

Two lifeboat crews were called to the incident at 6.25pm yesterday.

They returned to their station at 7.30pm.

The lifeboat crews were praised for their rapid rescue and courageous rescue on social media.

Helen Jellett said: ‘Brilliant work, must have been scary for the yacht owner.’

Mo Edwards added: ‘Another successful mission, well done to you all.’

Paul Glatzel, volunteer lifeboat operations manager at Poole Lifeboat, said: ‘What looks a straightforward rescue was in fact an incredibly challenging and skillful rescue by the helm and crew of the Poole lifeboats.

‘We are delighted that all involved are safe and well.’