LIFEBOAT crews from Weymouth responded to three emergencies within an hour – including the missing swimmer near Durdle Door.

Weymouth RNLI inshore lifeboat was first launched at 5.35pm yesterday to reports of a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) with three persons onboard in difficulties at Bowleaze Cove.

As they made their way there, they were sent to search for the missing swimmer.

As the RIB was reported to be ashore, it was left for a Coastguard team to deal with.

Within 10 minutes, the all-weather lifeboat from Weymouth was called to assist with the search for the missing swimmer.

The search quickly escalated with a helicopter and two Coastguard teams joining in the operation.

Then at 6.30pm the all-weather lifeboat was sent back to Weymouth after concern was raised for four paddle boarders in difficulties near to the Stone Pier.

The spokesman said: "Before it arrived on scene the situation had been resolved by an off duty lifeboat crew volunteer who was paddle boarding in the area and managed to get the small group of girls on three paddle boards and an inflatable ashore by himself. The all-weather lifeboat then rejoined the search at Durdle Door.

"The search continued by the three lifeboats and helicopter until 10pm when with nothing found, all units were stood down and returned to station."