Men rescued from path of Sandbanks chain ferry after dinghy crash

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-27847713

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Two men were rescued from Poole Harbour after they were hurled out of their boat when it crashed with the Sandbanks chain ferry.

The ferry and dinghy collided at about 19:20 BST on Friday after the small inflatable's engine failed.

One man went under the ferry before surfacing and being plucked from its path by crew. The second man was rescued by a passing yacht.

Coatguards said both men escaped uninjured from the crash.

Maddy Davey, Portland Coastguard watch manager said: "The two men were very unfortunate that their boat broke down where and when it did.

"In this kind of situation quick communications are key and so a handheld vhf radio, mini flares or a mobile phone in a waterproof bag would have proved invaluable in contacting the Coastguard and requesting immediate assistance."

The dinghy had to be freed from the chains of the ferry by a RNLI lifeboat crew.