SWANAGE’S all weather lifeboat was called into action after a solo sailor reported running out of fuel south west of Anvil Point.

The yachtsman, who had been sailing for 36 hours, contacted coastguards to say he had no wind, was out of fuel and extremely tired.

He was located on his 26ft yacht about four nautical miles off the coast.

A Swanage RNLI spokesman explained: “He was quickly found on radar and VHF direction finding kit.

“The lifeboat closed his position 20 minutes after launch and placed a crewman on board.

“A tow was secured and the yacht brought back to Swanage where it was secured to the lifeboat mooring. The owner elected to remain on board so the lifeboat was released and returned to the slipway.”

The drama unfolded around 8.30pm on Friday evening.