TWO men had a a lucky escape after their boat capsized in rough waves.

Coastguards were alerted NMOC (National Maritime Coastguard Operations Centre) to reports via the 999 system that two red flares had been fired in the Abbotsbury area at 7.30pm last night.

A spokesman for West Bay Coastguard said: "Officers quickly made their way to the station in West Bay to pick up their equipment and rescue vehicle before heading straight for Abbotsbury.

"The Wyke Coastguard CRT were also responding to the incident, and the RNLI Lyme Regis Lifeboat was being launched.

"Whilst en-route, an update was received from Solent that contact had been made with a casualty via VHF CH16.

"There was indeed a vessel in difficulty and persons were in the water, but due to intermittent communications a firm location could not be established.

"Once on-scene at the Abbotsbury car park, officers proceeded to the beach to try and locate the vessel which was found to be on the shoreline approx 3 km to the East on the Chesil Bank.

"The Lifeboat was updated and officers with water rescue and first aid equipment set off along the beach. Arriving on scene first, RNLI crew members from the lifeboat swam ashore to find two males on the beach.

"Luckily, both were uninjured but were a little cold after their ordeal.

"The men had been attempting to find a safe place to land their RHIB on the beach, but had run into difficulty on the surf line and the vessel capsized.

"They were well prepared for thier trip, both were wearing auto-inflate lifejackets which had deployed, they were able to fire red flares and had a marine VHF radio.

"With the Coastguard officers now also on scene, the RHIB was re-floated and put on tow to West Bay Harbour by the Lifeboat.

"The casualties were then escorted on the long walk back to Abbotsbury where onward transport was arranged.

"The teams were then stood down and the West Bay officers arrived back on station ready for service again just before midnight.

"Stay safe on the coast this summer… But if you find yourself in difficulty or if you are concerned for others, do not hesitate... DIAL 999 and ask for the COASTGUARD."