First shouts of 2026 for volunteers at Swanage RNLI

HM Coastguard had received reports of a person in a small vessel that was sinking, and requested both the all-weather lifeboat, George Thomas Lacy, and the inshore lifeboat, Roy Norgrove, launch shortly before 9pm to find the casualty.

Both boats were quickly on scene and began a search of the area using equipment on board the lifeboats including parachute flares. Nothing was detected and a helicopter from HM Coastguard was tasked to attend.

Volunteer crew aboard the inshore lifeboat went to scour the shoreline in the area of Durlston Bay whilst the all-weather lifeboat began a formal search pattern further out to sea in conjunction with the helicopter. Despite some rolling swell, the visibility was very good but no trace of any vessel, nor person was found.

After nearly two hours all the search and rescue assets were stood down. Swanage's Shannon lifeboat returned to station along with the inshore lifeboat.

The second shout of 2026 came three days later, on January 4, after HM Coastguard received a call from a person who had been watching a small light near the base of Ballard Down, quite close to Ballard Point.

The light had not moved for a considerable time and the caller was concerned that it was a person in difficulty part way up the cliff.

The Coastguard tasked both Swanage RNLI lifeboats to investigate and also asked Swanage and St Albans cliff rescue teams to prepare.

The conditions were cold but clear, with good visibility, and it was soon apparent that the only light in the area was the anchor-light of a small yacht anchored quite close inshore in the area reported. A quick search along the cliffs didn't uncover anything else and the Coastguard were happy to stand down the cliff teams and lifeboats.

The RNLI would like to remind the public that if they have any reason to believe that they can see someone in difficulty on or near the water, to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.