A couple have been rescued after their yacht caught fire off the Dorset coast.
The crew of Lyme Regis’ RNLI lifeboat rushed to the aid of a couple whose yacht caught fire 300m east of the town’s harbour.
The alarm was raised at 7.50pm on Thursday when a fire broke out in the electrical mechanism of the windlass which operates the yacht’s anchor.
Picture: Richard Horobin
The couple aboard the 38ft yacht - named Charisma - Adam Bispham and his wife Lynne, from Weymouth, used fire extinguishers. Two lifeboat crew members also tackled the fire.
Mr Bispham said: “We were just lowering the anchor when the fire started. It could have been very serious. I am a member of the RNLI and this is the first time I have had to call them. We were delighted to see them.
“The lifeboat crew were fantastic and even lifted the anchor by hand and inflated our tender.”
Picture: Richard Horobin
Long-serving lifeboat volunteer Jon Broome said: “There was a good deal of smoke when we arrived on scene but the fire was soon under control. Mr and Mrs Bispham were pleased to see us and even made us a cup of tea with biscuits.
“After the incident, we made sure they were safe and secure for their overnight stay.”
The lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis harbour after 90 minutes on scene.
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