A MAJOR search operation was launched after two swimmers went missing on the coast.
The alarm was raised at around 5.40pm on Thursday, June 25 in Studland Bay, prompting fears for a man and woman last seen entering the water at Middle Beach.
An HM Coastguard helicopter was sent as well as Swanage and St Albans Coastguard rescue teams, two RNLI lifeboats from Poole and one from Swanage. Dorset Police were also informed.
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St Albans Head Coastguard said: "Another busy period for the local teams continues, with the team being tasked for the third time in as many days.
"This evening, the team was tasked alongside Purbeck Police, Dorset Police, Swanage Coastguard, Swanage Lifeboat Station, RNLI Poole Lifeboat Station South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 375 following reports of two persons missing, who had last been seen in the water over an hour earlier.
"Coastguard Rescue Teams carried out a coordinated search of the coastline, covering the area from the Sandbanks Chain Ferry through to Old Harry Rocks.
"Following nearly three hours of searching, the missing persons were located safe and well, bringing the incident to a successful conclusion."
The swimmers were found nearby at around 8.15pm.
Dorset Police said: "This evening officers from Purbeck, North and East Dorset assisted Coastguard in Studland searching for a missing couple last seen entering the water at Middle Beach.
"Thankfully, after several hours of searching, both were located safe and well."
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