Swanage’s all weather lifeboat was due to be launching on exercise this evening but a call from the Coastguard at 5pm changed that plan. A 24’ yacht with 2 POB was in difficulties close to Durlston Head. The yacht had been struggling against the strong ebb tide when a passing vessel took them in tow. Unfortunately the towline snapped and the rope then went round the yacht’s propellor. With virtually no wind the yacht was now drifting, disabled, close to Durlston Head. The lifeboat crew were paged and soon on their way to the scene. In the meantime the yacht’s crew had managed to free the rope from their propellor and were making very slow progress across Durlston Bay. The lifeboat sat alongside them for a few minutes but it soon became apparent that the yacht’s engine was struggling against the tide so it was agreed to take the yacht in tow to Poole because of the NE wind forecast for Swanage Bay tomorrow. A towline was passed across and just over an hour later the yacht was safely in Poole Harbour where they were left to make their own way to their mooring. The lifeboat then returned to Swanage Bay and carried out some of the exercise drills that had been planned for the evening. The lifeboat was recovered at 20:20, washed down and made ready for service.