Photos appear to show the moment of a dramatic coastal rescue earlier today.

A witness reported a rescue helicopter hovering off of White Nothe, near Ringstead Bay, for some time.

They said the incident unfolded at around 12.40pm and that it appeared as though there was a "red dot" in the water.

Bournemouth Echo: Picture: Merete BatesPicture: Merete Bates (Image: Merete Bates)

The "incident", using an older helicopter, is believed to have been part of a training exercise.

Merete Bates, who took the photos, said there seemed to be something in the water and added: "It was really quite skilful, the handling of the helicopter, I'd seen it hovering around the bay for quite a while and it must have re-manoeuvred about three or four times before you saw a man descend out of the helicopter."