A MAJOR search operation was launched after a wing foiler went missing and was potentially in difficulty in a strong offshore wind.
The Southbourne Coastguard Rescue Team was called at 6.41pm on April 29 after the person was lost from view and thought to be struggling in a strong offshore wind.
The team coordinated with the RNLI Mudeford lifeboat and a Coastguard rescue helicopter for the immediate offshore area.
Southbourne Surf Lifesaving Club helped by sending out lifeguards for board and shoreline patrols 1,000 metres east and west of the original sighting point.
Coastguard Rescue Officers searched on foot along the beach, around Boscombe Pier, and towards Hengistbury Head, with Lymington and Poole Coastguard teams also helping.
Further searches continued offshore by lifeboat and helicopter.
During the operation, information was received via Southbourne Surf Lifesaving Club and the local community that the wing foiler had come ashore safely in Poole and returned home.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre then directly confirmed with the individual that they were safe and well, matching the timings and launch site with the incident.
With the person accounted for and no further concerns, all Coastguard, RNLI, and aviation assets were stood down.
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