Both Swanage lifeboats tasked to a search at Chapmans Pool

The UK Coastguard had received a 999 call from a member of the public explaining that he had lost contact with his partner in the area of Houns Tout near Chapmans Pool. He was concerned for his partner's safety when the phone call cut off and the Coastguard was unable to raise him again.

Volunteers from Swanage, Kimmeridge and St Albans Head Coastguard were tasked to the scene along with officers from Dorset Police and both Swanage lifeboats.

With the crew already at the boathouse the lifeboats were soon underway and heading West. Once on scene a quick search of Chapmans Pool was carried out before moving West to Houns Tout. At this point Coastguard volunteers on top of Houns Tout were able to hear someone calling for help. The calls were coming from quite a way down the cliff and access seemed to be easiest from the sea.

Two inshore lifeboat crew were put ashore and they carefully picked their way up towards where the calls were thought to be coming from. As they approached a dense patch of undergrowth they were able to make contact with the casualty and confirm that she was OK and that she was the person they were looking for.

A safe route was found back down to the shore and the casualty and her partner were picked up by the inshore lifeboat and taken to the slipway in Chapmans Pool. There the casualties were met by Police and Coastguard who took them back up to their car.

With the situation resolved the lifeboats were released to return to station.

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ALB Crew: Dave Turnbull, (Coxn) Robert Aggas, John Deas, Anthony Corben, Bryan Jones, Roydon Woodford, Alice Haw
ILB Crew: (Helm) Gavin Steeden, Phil Palmer, Fergus Holland
Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Paul Bedford, (Winchman) Ben Jarvis, Gary Buglass, (Winchman) Andy Redout, Tom Greasty

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