SWANAGE lifeboat volunteers launched into rough seas to rescue a lost adult believed to be in the Tyneham area.

Crews launched just before 10pm on Saturday, March 19 by the Coastguard who were in contact with the lost person by mobile phone.

A spokesperson for the Swanage Lifeboat Station said: “The UK Coastguard were in contact with the lost person by mobile phone and the estimated location was known to be close to the sea, therefore the lifeboats were tasked to assist with locating the person, in case access was no longer available by land.

“Both lifeboats launched into rough seas to head west towards Tyneham. As the boats rounded Peveril Ledge it became clear the smaller D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) would be safer and able to maintain better speed more comfortably following in the wake of the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat (ALB).

“The lifeboats therefore travelled together, with the ILB following in the wake of the ALB towards Tyneham.

“Whilst speaking to the lost person, the Coastguard pinpointed their location using an app called 'What3Words'.

“This precise latitude and longitude was provided to the volunteer crew on the lifeboats so that a course was able to be plotted and an estimated time of arrival was established as 30 minutes to the lost person's location.

“Meanwhile, on land, Lulworth and Kimmeridge volunteer coastguard teams were also making their way to the area. Shortly after the precise location was confirmed that lost person was found safe and well on land and the lifeboats were stood down to return to station.”