A RESCUE operation was launched to help a kite surfer in difficulty being pulled towards rocks.

Poole Coastguard Rescue were approached by a member of the public who was concerned for the safety of the kite-surfer off Baiter at 7.15pm last night.

They were already in the area after being called to help a person who had fallen out of a canoe.

A spokesman said: "Using binoculars, the team located the casualty and confirmed they were in difficulties and were not in control of the kite. With the casualty being pulled quickly towards the rocks on Fishermans Dock, the team broadcasted an immediate call on VHF to the RNLI Poole Lifeboat Station, which was in the area training.

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"Before the lifeboat was able to arrive, the casualty had managed to change direction and get ashore off the old open air swimming pool off Baiter, where they were met by Coastguard officers who were able to check the casualty well and gather information."

The kite surfer's red board had been lost and anyone who finds it is asked to call Poole Harbour Commissioners or Solent Coastguard.

The person who had fallen out of the canoe had reached the shore before coastguards arrived.