THREE people aboard an ice cream boat were rescued after the vessel capsized near Hengistbury Head on Thursday afternoon.

The three people were picked up by crew aboard the passing vessel, Badgers Retreat, who took them to Mudeford Quay where they were met by Southbourne Coastguard officers.

A spokesperson for Portland Coastguard said a freezer on wheels containing ice cream had rolled after the boat was hit by a wave, causing the boat to turn over.

“The freezer was not attached and when a wave hit the boat it rolled”, she said.

“Everybody got out but they had been in the water for some time.

“They were very lucky to be found as they had no way of alerting anyone.

“We would advise everyone out on the water to have their boat in safe working condition, tie things down and have all the safety equipment they can.”

The rescue helicopter was scrambled to attend but was not needed.

Mudeford Inshore Lifeboat towed the capsized boat back to shore.