The coastguard was called to a vessel in distress.

On Friday (August 26) at around 3pm, the coastguard was called to the vessel off Freshwater Beach.

Five officers including the station officer headed to the area with the Lyme Regis lifeboat and the West Bay Harbour RHIB also attending.

A speedboat had been picking up and dropping off people from Freshwater Beach but suffered a mechanical failure before being beached on the shoreline. 

Two people on the boat had entered the water to try and prevent the vessel from being wrecked, with two members of the public also entering the water to assist.

On arrival, the coastguard located the vessel just to the east of Freshwater where it was being assisted by the Harbour Masters RHIB which had just arrived on the scene. 

The officers made sure that all of the casualties were accounted for and that no medical assistance was required.

Solent Coastguard was updated and the vessel was placed under tow and recovered back to West Bay Harbour by the Harbour Masters RHIB and RNLI lifeboat.

The coastguard officers re-positioned back to West Bay where the captain of the vessel was met, details were taken and safety advice was given.

The coastguard said that the people were well-equipped for their trip and lifejackets and marine VHF radio were all present and correct.

The officers gave advice on the purchase of some flares as these would be invaluable in low light or foggy conditions.