CREW on board P&O cruise ship Aurora alerted emergency services after spotting a "very small" dinghy two miles out to sea making no progress.

Southbourne Coastguard and Mudeford lifeboat were called at around 10.30pm last night to the dinghy which had appeared to be struggling.

It also had no navigation lights and had been spotted by a passing sailing vessel.

The dinghy was around two miles off Hengistbury Head and it was recovered to Mudeford.

The health of those on board was checked and safety advice given.