PASSENGERS onboard a pleasure cruise off Swanage were rescued this morning after becoming stranded.

Swanage's all weather lifeboat was requested to launch following a mayday call made from the boat, which had stopped when its propeller became entangled.

The boat was close inshore to the west of Anvil Point, and while the skipper had manager to drop an anchor, he and 12 passenger required immediate assistance.

Seven volunteers were soon on their way to help and proceeded to the scene at full speed.

A tow-line passed across to the casualty vessel, and once this was secured, volunteer crew members were able to tow the pleasure boat back to the Divers Down pontoon at Swanage Pier so passengers could disembark.