A WINDSURFER that got into difficulties in rough seas near Lyme Regis harbour was rescued by the town’s RNLI lifeboat.

The lifeboat was launched shortly after 1pm today, Thursday October 9, after reports that a windsurfer was in difficulties in rough seas to the east of the town’s harbour.

The experienced windsurfer, 19-year-old Luke Patrick from Lyme Regis, lost his sail in winds of force six to seven, which indicate very rough seas.

Luke was seen from the shore waving for help when the alarm was raised.

As he held on to his board another windsurfer went to his aid. The lifeboat crew made sure Luke was safe as he made his own way ashore.

Luke said: “It was my first sail after the summer and conditions were brilliant for windsurfing.”

Luke, who has been a member of the Olympic Development Team at Weymouth for four years, added: “Things were fine until I had the technical problems, but the response from the lifeboat crew was fantastic.”

The lifeboat was launched in seas producing swells up to four feet.