SWANAGE lifeboat was called after receiving reports of a lifejacket in the water on Sunday morning.

The witness could not confirm the lifejacket was not being worn, so the inshore lifeboat was tasked with a search mission.

A spokesperson for Swanage Lifeboat said: “The UK Coastguard became concerned when a passing boat reported a lifejacket in the water between Anvil Point and St Albans Head.

“The boat was unable to confirm that the lifejacket was not being worn, so the D-class inshore lifeboat was launched to investigate.

“It soon became clear that the search area was considerable, so the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat launched to join the investigation.

“Both boats coordinated their efforts, the ILB working up and down the expected line of drift on the strong flood tide and the ALB moving further north to act as ‘gatekeeper’ while the UK Coastguard worked up a search pattern using their tide and drift simulation computers.

“When the search details were received both boats headed off to conduct their own instructions, searching an area between Durlston Head and Old Harry up to 4nm offshore.

“About an hour later, with search pattern completed but nothing untoward found, the UK Coastguard were content to release the boats. A quick return to the slipway saw both boats ready for further service just before noon.”