Swell overturns Royal Navy boat

The team from HMS Severn were about to inspect the fishing boat

A five-strong fisheries inspecting team including two Royal Navy sailors had to be rescued after their boat capsized along the Dorset coast.

The team, from the warship HMS Severn, were about to board the fishing boat Lady Maureen for an inspection when the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) overturned.

It is thought a sea swell caused the incident about 15 miles (24.14km) south of Durlston Head on Wednesday.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been informed.

Patrol Vessels

The team, which included three marine and fisheries personnel, were rescued from the water after the 1,700 tonne warship put out a mayday alert.

They were rescued by crew members from a second RIB from the Severn, who took some of the team back to the warship while the others stayed on the fishing boat.

The Portland Coastguard helicopter flew an injured fisheries officer to Poole General Hospital, where he was later discharged.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) spokesman said: "The sea swell has caused the RIB to tip.

"The weather had remained good throughout the area with force three northwesterly winds and good visibility."

HMS Severn is one of three River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) which make up the majority of the Royal Navy's Fishery Protection Squadron.

Teams board fishing vessels to inspect net sizes, weight of catches, fish sizes, composure of catches and the vessel's logbook and licence.