Six saved from power boat LymeRegis South West Division The Lyme Regis Atlantic 21 Independent Forester Benevolence rescued six people on 22 May 1988 in a short but difficult service when a small power boat lost engine power and was being driven ashore by strong onshore winds.

Portland Coastguard requested the launch at 1500 on hearing of the casualty, which was just over half-a-mile to the west of the harbour.

The maroons were fired, and at 1510 the Atlantic left the station in a southerly Force 6 to 7 wind for the seven-minute passage to the power boat Diamond Dove, which by then was in quite heavy seas and in danger of being driven aground on a lee shore of rocky ledges.

Because of the shallow water the lifeboat had to put Crew Member James Thomas in the water to reach the casualty, and then stand off ready to float down a tow line.

Five of the crew were helped ashore through the surf, and one stayed aboard help Crew Member Thomas with the boat.

A line was floated down and secured and the lifeboat towed the power boat back to the shelter of Lyme Regis Harbour..