LIFEBOAT crews and police were tasked to find a missing person in the water off Hamworthy Park.

Poole RNLI volunteers were tasked late at night on Wednesday, August 3.

A spokesperson for the Poole RNLI Lifeboat Station said: “Poole lifeboats were launched at 11.30pm to a report of a person in the water off Hamworthy Park

“The D class was tasked initially and arrived on scene to conduct a search; Dorset Police were shoreside alongside Poole Coastguard Rescue Team and other units. The Atlantic was also tasked and a search and rescue helicopter.

“The lifeboats began searching from the shoreline, stepping out every leg, an extensive search ensued.

“Information then came from the shore that cries for help had been heard and a bicycle was found on the beach, this was used as a datum point to intensify the search and then the volunteer coastguard unit on the shore spotted a speck of light.

“The D Class found the casualty 2.7 cables (500m) off the beach.

“The lifeboat crew swiftly transferred the casualty to the care of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust paramedics who were standing by on the beach, the ambulance took the casualty to hospital.”