TWO people were rescued after their speedboat broke down in Poole Bay and started taking on water.

Poole RNLI lifeboat volunteers rushed to the stricken vessel's aid just after 2.15pm on Saturday.

They'd received a 'pan-pan' transmission, the signal used when the safety of a boat is in serious jeopardy but no immediate danger is faced.

Anne-Marie Clark, Poole RNLI spokesman, said: "A 17ft speedboat with two people onboard had broken down and was taking on water, one mile from the entrance of the harbour.

"Conditions in Poole Bay were blustery with a slight chop.

"The lifeboat made good speed and was soon on scene, they went alongside and checked that the two people on-board were okay."

The speedboat had taken on some water at the bottom, so the crew quickly attached a tow and brought it back to Baiter slipway.

Anne-Marie said: "Two lifeboat crew assisted the boat owners and got the vessel safely ashore and back on its trailer.

"As all was safe and well, the lifeboat crew returned back to station, the boat was washed down, refuelled and made ready for service by 4.30pm, just in time so that the crew could get back home to watch the rugby."