The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is urging the public to be prepared in order to stay safe on holiday over the summer.

Their warning has been prompted after two overdue walkers prompted a major search along the Dorset coast.

As reported, a 63 year old man and his six year old granddaughter were reported ‘overdue’ on Thursday night.

The pair had set off from Charmouth and a search party was tasked at around 11.30pm with multiple RNLI, coastguard and police crews searching for the pair.

Claire Smith, for HM Coastguard, said: “Two family members we searched for on Thursday (August 18) were visiting an area which was unfamiliar to them. 

“Although they had told a relative where they were going and when they planned to be back, they did not take a mobile phone or any other means of calling for help.”

Coastguard rescue teams from Lyme Regis, West Bay and Beer, a Coastguard helicopter, Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat and Dorset Police were all sent to search for the pair.

The alarm was raised when their relative became concerned they had not heard from them.

Claire Smith added: “Thankfully, they were found safely in the end. But their experience is a reminder that our beautiful coastlines can be dangerous and unpredictable.

“This can happen to anyone. That’s why being prepared is so important.

“We just want everyone to enjoy the coast and to get back to their loved ones safely. Being appropriately equipped for any coastal activity, including walking, is vital.

“If you are heading out on a coastal walk make sure you tell someone where you are going and when you plan to come back, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, check the weather and tides and take a means of calling for help.

“Remember in an emergency at the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

It was later reported that it seemed at some stage the pair had probably been given a lift to Weymouth police station and were safe and well.

The lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis at 1.50am