Both boats launch to report of person in the water

The member of public called the UK Coastguard on '999' and soon after both Swanage's lifeboats and the Coastguard team from St Alban's Head were on their way to the Dancing Ledge area.

The lifeboats were first to arrive on scene and carried out a quick search of the area. Nothing was found but there were some lobster pot buoys in the area with poles and flags on them.

A short time later the St Alban's Head Coastguards met with the member of the public on the cliff top. They were able to confirm that it was most likely that what had been spotted was indeed a lobster pot buoy. As there were no items of clothing or any people in the Dancing Ledge area the UK Coastguard were content to stand all units down to return to their stations. A false alarm with good intent.

ALB Crew: (Coxn) Tom Greasty, Dave Turnbull, Bryan Jones, Phil Palmer, Alice Haw, Neil Brooks
ILB Crew: (Helm) Matthew Steeden, Ben Jarvis, Sam Aggas
Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Gary Buglass, (Winch) Neil Collings, Jeremy Stein, Archie Burgess, Jack Thompson

RNLI Media Contacts

Becky Mack, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]

Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]

Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.