Search in dense fog A FLARE IN CHAPMAN'S POOL was reported to the deputy launching authority of Swanage lifeboat station at 2130 on Monday, June 14. Visibility was clear at the Coastguard lookout but there was a dense fog bank at sea level. Swanage lifeboat, the 37' 6" Rother J. Reginald Corah was placed on alert while the Coastguard made further enquiries. At 2137 the emergency was confirmed.

/. Reginald Corah launched at 2147 and drove into the spring flood tide. She was off St Aldhelm's Head at 2230 and found a dense fog bank in Chapman's Pool. With the aid of her radar and echo sounder she began a search and at 2247 found the 35' motor cruiser Forrester,with three people on board, 40 yards south of Freshwater Steps. Visibility was about 50 yards but lifted a little shortly after Forrester was sighted.

As Forrester was not damaged and could use one engine J. Reginald Corah escorted her through the rock ledges to open water and then to St Aldhelm's Head where Anvil Point Lighthouse could be seen.

Forrester's crew reported hearing an explosion to the south east some time after 2100 and so, having seen her safely on her way, the lifeboat started to search to the south east. Nothing could be found and it was concluded that the explosions heard were the lifeboat maroons; the search was called off at 0013 on Tuesday, June 15. /. Reginald Corah returned to station and was rehoused at 0130..