A SWINDON couple had a lucky escape from their sinking motor cruiser in Dorset's Poole Harbour.
A Mayday call was sent from the 45ft boat Freedom at 9.48am on Saturday, saying that the boat was sinking off Brownsea Island.
The owners, Robin Maggs and wife Irene, both 60, are said to be from the Swindon area.
Two families, consisting of four adults and four children, were on board. The youngest child was eight.
An ambulance was called to the scene, but nobody needed hospital treatment.
Philip Chappell, spokesman for Portland Coastguard, said that the former naval boat sunk in the harbour not long after the rescue, which involved two RNLI lifeboats and a helicopter.
It is thought the vessel struck a submerged object.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article