A LIFEBOATMAN who was suspended after an incident at Southampton Boat Show has been allowed to resume his duties after an internal investigation.

The RNLI is refusing to say if any disciplinary action has been taken against the crewman, who was in charge of Calshot lifeboat when its wash smashed into a pontoon at the show.

Spectators said that they were nearly knocked off their feet when the powerful craft "charged off" to take part in a search and rescue demonstration.

Shortly afterwards the RNLI confirmed that the lifeboat had been handled "inappropriately" and announced that a member of the crew had been suspended pending an inquiry.

An RNLI spokeswoman said: "The matter has been the subject of an internal investigation that has now been concluded and resolved.

"The volunteer concerned, who was in command of the lifeboat at the time, has now resumed his duties at Calshot lifeboat station."

The spokeswoman refused to say if any disciplinary action had been taken against the volunteer, who she refused to name.Organisers of the Boat Show declined to comment.