The latest news about the emergency services, covering the police, ambulance, fire, coastguard and RNLI services in Swanage and Purbeck.
Studland wildfire disrupts ferry service at start of Easter rush The main road along the Studland peninsula in Dorset was closed while firefighters tackled a blaze that had started on the heathland, suspending the Sandbanks Ferry's usual service 3 days ago
Man on holiday in Swanage goes missing A search for a 35 year old man from the Isle of Wight, who was last seen in Swanage while on holiday, is being conducted by Dorset Police 3 weeks ago
Fat fryer blaze destroys Swanage takeaway A fire that started accidentally in a fat fryer has left the inside of Dino’s Takeaway in Swanage, Dorset, a blackened shell 1 month ago
Two people seriously injured in Harman’s Cross crash Fire crews had to cut free a person from their car after a collision involving two vehicles on Valley Road in Harman’s Cross near Swanage in Dorset 2 months ago
Tractor destroyed by night time fire in Swanage Residents were woken in the night by the sound of explosions, as fire burnt out a tractor parked behind the tip in Swanage, Dorset 2 months ago
Dog rescue for Swanage RNLI’s first callout of 2025 Harley the dog was lucky to survive after falling 120 feet over the cliff at Old Harry in Studland, Dorset and was fortunate to be safely rescued by the Swanage ... 3 months ago
Swanage RNLI rescue ‘exhausted’ capsized kayaker A person clinging to their capsized kayak near Swanage Bay in Dorset, was saved from the sea by the Swanage lifeboat crew, when they couldn’t get back in their boat 5 months ago
Swanage road closure as car bursts into flames While the rest of Dorset was covered in snow, Swanage got a little too hot when a car caught alight in Ulwell Road at the junction with Burlington Road 5 months ago
Fire crews put out bin lorry fire in Swanage Burning rubbish was piled onto a road in an attempt to stop a fire spreading that had started in the back of a bin lorry in Swanage, Dorset. 6 months ago
Woman arrested over Swanage care home deaths released Dorset Police say that a 60 year old local woman who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, following the death of three residents of a Swanage care home, has been ... 6 months ago
Spotlight on Swanage care home as gross negligence investigated Following the death of three Swanage care home residents from possible carbon monoxide poisoning, Dorset Police say they are investigating whether there were any actions or omissions which were grossly ... 6 months ago
Police confirm three dead at Swanage care home Residents of Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage in Dorset have been evacuated from the building after three people were found dead at the home. 6 months ago
Yacht on way to Liverpool sinks in Swanage Bay Two people who were hoping to sail from the Isle of Wight to Liverpool, had to be rescued by Swanage RNLI when their yacht hit Swanage's old pier 7 months ago
Coastguard helicopter rescues injured from Swanage Bay On two separate occasions in the same week, the coastguard helicopter based at Lee on Solent in Hampshire, had to winch casualties from boats in Swanage Bay and fly them ... 8 months ago
Safety warnings as Swanage lifeboat rescues paddle boarders Two separate groups of paddle boarders - a total of 10 people including two children - had to be rescued from drifting out to sea by Swanage RNLI’s inshore lifeboat 8 months ago
Kids take over Swanage Fire Station for the day! The chance to see Swanage’s emergency vehicles close up, was too good an opportunity to miss for lots of young children and a few big kids too! 8 months ago
Swanage firefighter retires after 24 years of service After nearly a quarter of a century of being on call, a Swanage firefighter is hanging up his pager and says it's time to let the younger ones carry on ... 9 months ago
Diver missing after failing to resurface in Swanage Bay A woman in her 20s who didn’t resurface after diving from a boat near Old Harry in Swanage Bay, has sparked a full scale search including Swanage Lifeboat and coastguard ... 9 months ago
Flying the flag in Swanage for Coastwatch life savers Volunteers from Swanage Coastwatch have helped to take a flag on a 2,000 mile journey around England’s coastline as part of the lifesaving charity's 30th anniversary. 9 months ago
Swanage RNLI crew commended for saving life during Fastnet Race Commendations have been awarded to members of the Swanage Lifeboat crew with special praise for the coxswain’s boat handling skills during a challenging rescue, in which a sailor’s life was ... 9 months ago
Studland air and sea rescues over busy weekend Emergency services were called to help people in trouble in two separate incidents over a warm weekend in Studland, Dorset. 10 months ago
Woman in her 80s dies after fall along Purbeck coastline Emergency services including the air ambulance and coastguard helicopter went to the aid of a woman in her 80s, after she fell from a height at Winspit Quarry near Worth ... 10 months ago
Motorcyclist seriously injured after collision on Wareham bypass Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact them after a motorcyclist and a vehicle collided on the Wareham bypass in Dorset, near to the ... 11 months ago
Fire crews called to house fire in Swanage Within minutes of a 999 call, Swanage fire crew arrived at the scene of a fire at a cottage in Swanage, closely followed by a crew from Wareham. 1 year ago
Swanage RNLI volunteers get invite to Westminster Abbey To mark the 200th anniversary of the RNLI, representatives from Swanage Lifeboat Station will join other volunteers from around the UK at a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in ... 1 year ago
Injured walker rescued from coast path near Dancing Ledge Swanage Fire crew along with coastguard teams from Swanage and St Albans went to the aid of a man who had injured his lower leg while walking along the South ... 1 year ago
Family cut off by tide airlifted from Kimmeridge Bay The coastguard rescue helicopter had to be deployed to save a child and two adults who were stranded at Kimmeridge Bay in Dorset by a rapidly rising tide. 1 year ago
Swanage lifeboat crew search for missing man Both Swanage lifeboats were launched together to help search for a missing person in the early hours of the morning of Thursday 15th February 2024. 1 year ago
Wareham man airlifted to hospital after scooter crash A man in his 70s from Wareham was taken by air ambulance to Southampton General Hospital with serious injuries after a collision between his scooter and a car near Holton ... 1 year ago
Come and meet Roy at Swanage Lifeboat Station Swanage RNLI’s latest recruit - its new inshore lifeboat named Roy Norgrove - is to be the star attraction at a specially arranged event. 1 year ago
Swanage RNLI takes delivery of new lifeboat The gift of a brand new inshore lifeboat named Roy Norgrove has arrived at Swanage Lifeboat Station in time for Christmas. 1 year ago
Cars collide head on along narrow lane in Swanage Swanage Fire Station was called to assist when a Renault Clio ended up in the hedgerow following a collision with a Mercedes car, travelling in the opposite direction along a ... 1 year ago
Milo the dog falls 70 feet down Swanage cliff face A coastguard descended down the side of the cliff on ropes to rescue a black labrador called Milo that had tumbled over the edge on Swanage Downs in Dorset. 2 years ago
Have a go at being a firefighter in Swanage Swanage Fire Station is offering those keen on becoming a paid on-call firefighter, the chance to find out what it’s really like. 2 years ago
RNLI treat injured woman on paddle steamer returning to Swanage A RNLI volunteer undertook a tricky manoeuvre to get back to his lifeboat in Poole Bay in Dorset after treating an injured passenger on the historic paddle steamer the Waverley. 2 years ago
No rest after busy Lifeboat Week for Swanage crews After a busy lifeboat week, Swanage RNLI volunteers were hoping for an early night - until they were called on to help search for a missing person. 2 years ago
A boatiful end to a wonderful week for Swanage RNLI There was a splashing finale to Swanage RNLI’s Lifeboat Week when the annual build a boat competition and race drew a crowd of thousands to town. 2 years ago
Film crew returns to Swanage RNLI ahead of lifeboat week Swanage Lifeboat Station is to feature again on the popular BBC TV series Saving Lives at Sea but there’s an opportunity to visit the boathouse in person during lifeboat week. 2 years ago
Car crashes into tree near Corfe Castle For the second time that day, emergency services were called to a car crash near Corfe Castle in Dorset that blocked the road. 2 years ago
Lucky escape for cliff fall dog on Ballard Down Stuck on a small ledge after going over the cliff at Ballard Down near Swanage in Dorset, coastguard teams dashed to the rescue of Woody the dog. 2 years ago
Swanage RNLI nighttime rescue of boat drifting in shipping lane From within sight of the French coastline, Swanage Lifeboat crew had to tow a motorboat back to safety after it suffered catastrophic water pump failure rendering its engine unusable. 2 years ago
Fire breaks out on Studland peninsula near beach A large area of vegetation among the Studland sand dunes in Dorset has been devastated by a fire that swept through the habitat of many rare species including the endangered ... 2 years ago
Air ambulance rescues injured man from Dancing Ledge A man who had fallen and broken his leg had to be airlifted from a rock ledge on the Purbeck coastline due to the inaccessible location - WATCH VIDEO 2 years ago
Second recent crash at Swanage church accident hotspot A grey van ran off Church Hill in Swanage and crashed through temporary barriers that had been put in place following a collision at the same spot a few months ... 2 years ago
Dad and two children escape intense fire on powerboat at Arne Despite suffering from shock and cold, two boys and their father managed to make it ashore at Arne after abandoning their boat that had caught alight in Poole Harbour in ... 2 years ago
Child injured in dog attack at Swanage pub Police officers and the air ambulance were all called to help after a child was injured in an incident involving a dog in a pub garden in Swanage. 2 years ago
Fire crew tackle skip blaze in Swanage Residents in Swanage were woken late at night after a fire crew arrived to put out a blaze that had broken out in a skip full of rubbish, close to ... 2 years ago
Swanage RNLI rescue motor cruiser with engine failure On Mothering Sunday, the volunteers from Swanage Lifeboat Station went to help the crew of a motor cruiser that had broken down 30 miles offshore in the shipping lane. 2 years ago
Injured climber airlifted from base of cliff near Swanage A man whose shoulder became dislocated while attempting to tackle a challenging cliff climb had to be rescued from a rock ledge west of Anvil Point - WATCH VIDEO. 2 years ago
Swanage RNLI volunteer retires after 30 years Having attended 300 incidents and clocked up more than 1,000 hours at sea on rescues, Swanage Lifeboat volunteer Colin Marks is handing back his pager for a final time. 2 years ago
Back on board: New Swanage Lifeboat role for Dave Corben Well known Swanage resident and local estate agent Dave Corben, who briefly retired as a Swanage RNLI volunteer after 50 years of service, is now returning to the helm. 2 years ago
Car crashes into terraced house in Swanage The owner of a property in Swanage was lucky not to be at home at the time, when a car crashed into their front room. 2 years ago
Swanage sea rowers rescue paddle boarders in trouble Two men fishing in Durlston Bay on a paddle board with no phone, radio nor lifejackets, were lucky to be spotted by a crew from Swanage Sea Rowing Club. 3 years ago
Climber dies after fall near Dancing Ledge Swanage lifeboats, along with three coastguard cliff rescue teams, a coastguard helicopter and air ambulance all dashed to rescue a man in his 60s. 3 years ago
Swanage RNLI to get new lifeboat in 2023 The news that Swanage RNLI is to receive a brand new inshore lifeboat, comes at the end of its successful lifeboat week. 3 years ago
Campfire and barbecue found at scene of Studland Heath fire Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service says it believes the cause of the Studland Heath fire in Dorset was a campfire and barbecue - WATCH AERIAL FOOTAGE OF FIRE. 3 years ago
Woman breaks ankle slipping on rocks at Kimmeridge Swanage RNLI was called in to rescue an injured woman from the beach at Kimmeridge, as the terrain was too difficult to stretcher her to the ambulance. 3 years ago
Heath fire at Stoborough closes main Purbeck road Fire crews from across Dorset and Hampshire, including teams from Wareham and Swanage were called in to tackle a large heath fire - WATCH VIDEO. 3 years ago
Girl hospitalised following car collision in Wool Dorset Police are looking for the driver of a black Peugeot, after a car failed to stop in Wool following a collision with a pedestrian - a 10 year old ... 3 years ago
Abandoned disposable barbecue destroys boat at a Purbeck cove Despite campaigns across Dorset against the use of disposable barbecues, a boat at Chapman’s Pool in Dorset has been destroyed by fire started by a discarded disposable barbecue. 3 years ago
Swanage RNLI called out to kitesurfer in Studland Swanage Lifeboat crew were tasked to investigate reports of a father and daughter in difficulty, who had anchored their boat in Studland Bay. 3 years ago
Midnight rescue by Swanage RNLI and coastguard Following a medical incident on the cliff path above Durlston Bay in Swanage, the lifeboat crew were paged to help get the casualty to hospital. 3 years ago
Rapid community response saves Swanage Ambulance Car! The power of a community, united behind the single cause of keeping the Swanage Ambulance Car in Purbeck, has been credited for the decision by NHS bosses to retain the ... 3 years ago
Old explosive device found in Studland pond Purbeck Police had to put in place a 50 metre cordon near Ferry Road in Studland after the discovery of old ordnance. 3 years ago
RNLI on the lookout for new Swanage Beach lifeguards Getting ready for summer 2022, the RNLI is inviting applications from those who would like to be beach lifeguards along the South Coast including Swanage. 3 years ago
Swanage and Wareham firefighters do animal rescue! Ideally equipped for reaching the top of buildings and trees, animal loving fire crews were called to save a bird in Swanage and a cat in Wareham. 3 years ago
Cyclist’s leg bitten by dog in Swanage Purbeck Police are asking for the owners of a dog that caused a puncture wound to a man’s leg, to come forward and tell their side of the story. 3 years ago
First shout of the year for Swanage Lifeboat crew Following reports of a kayaker in difficulty in Swanage Bay, both lifeboats from Swanage Lifeboat Station launched for the first time this year. 3 years ago
Dog rescued after falling over cliff in Swanage Both the Swanage and St Albans Coastguard teams were called in to save a dog that had gone over the edge of the cliff on Swanage Downs. 3 years ago
Investigation into Studland heath fire reveals cause Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service says the fire that destroyed around 20 hectares of heathland in Studland in Dorset was started accidentally. 3 years ago
Injured woman rescued from Dancing Ledge by Swanage RNLI A walker who’d fallen and injured her leg at Dancing Ledge along the Purbeck coastline had to be rescued by the Swanage lifeboat crew, in order to get to hospital. 3 years ago
Woman bitten on leg by dog on Swanage footpath Dorset Police are investigating after a large dog bit a woman puncturing her skin, as she was walking her two Jack Russell dogs. 4 years ago
Boat stuck on Studland nudist beach Both Swanage Coastguard and Poole RNLI were called out to a 45 foot sailing yacht that ran aground on a Studland beach. 4 years ago
Bank Holiday speedboat rescue for Swanage RNLI Swanage Lifeboat crew, who are to feature tonight in the latest BBC TV Saving Lives at Sea episode, were paged to help the owners of a speedboat, who were at ... 4 years ago
Swimmer pulled from sea in Swanage in early hours Emergency services were called just after 1 am in the morning, following reports of a person in trouble in the water by the Stone Quay in Swanage. 4 years ago
Swanage Lifeboat goes to the aid of midnight swimmer The crew of a boat anchored in Swanage Bay at night called the UK Coastguard after they spotted a person swimming in the sea and were concerned. 4 years ago
Purbeck Police to listen to Swanage’s concerns Throughout the summer holidays, Purbeck Police are to hold pop up sessions on Swanage seafront to hear what residents and visitors say are their priorities for local policing. 4 years ago
RNLI rescue a boat pinned against Sandbanks Ferry The crew of the Sandbanks Ferry had to lower the ramp in mid passage to prevent a 16 foot sailing boat from getting into further danger. 4 years ago
Injured woman airlifted from St Albans Head The coastguard helicopter was called upon to rescue a woman who had sustained a serious ankle injury along the Purbeck coastline at St Albans Head near Worth Matravers. 4 years ago
Car speeding in Swanage seized by police A vehicle that was caught speeding along the High Street, was also found to have the wrong level of car insurance by the Dorset Police No Excuse team. 4 years ago
Workman rescued from Wareham roof by firefighters Firefighters from Wareham, Weymouth and Westbourne were all called to help a roofer who had become stuck on top of a house, after being taken ill. 4 years ago
Injured climber rescued from Purbeck cliff ledge The coastguard helicopter airlifted a man to hospital, who'd dislocated his knee while climbing along the coast, half way between Anvil Point and Dancing Ledge. 4 years ago
Two people run over by own car at Lulworth Emergency services responded quickly to reports that a car had rolled 30 metres down the cliff near Durdle Door Holiday Park. 4 years ago
Coastguard rescue after cyclist injures leg on Ballard Down While assisting a woman with a suspected broken arm at Peveril Point, Swanage Coastguard were called to help a woman in considerable pain, who'd fallen off her bike. 4 years ago
Serious car crash closes road just outside Corfe Castle Part of the A351 near Corfe Castle was closed following a collision between two vehicles and there were severe delays to traffic between Swanage and Wareham. 4 years ago
Hopes rise for May talks on Purbeck Paramedic Car’s future As local community support builds to stop the Purbeck Paramedic Car being scrapped, campaigners hope positive discussions with NHS bosses will take place next month. 4 years ago
Fire service issue Amber wildfire alert for Dorset An Amber wildfire alert has been issued for the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service area, meaning that barbecues should not be lit near forests and heathlands. 4 years ago
Swanage RNLI rescue drifting yacht In the early hours of the morning, the Swanage Lifeboat crew went to the aid of a yacht that had lost power off Anvil Point near Swanage. 4 years ago
Swanage Coastguard warning as lockdown eases Following the relaxation of Covid rules, people will be allowed to take part in outdoor activities as long as they minimise travel or ‘stay local’ from Monday 29th March 2021. 4 years ago
Swanage RNLI goes to aid of seasick sailor The first shout of the month for the Swanage Lifeboat crew was to assist a yacht crew member who was feeling unwell. 4 years ago
Poole Harbour wing surfers rescued by RNLI In blustery conditions, two men on paddleboards with hand-held sails had to be rescued by Poole Lifeboat crew after losing their sails - WATCH VIDEO. 4 years ago
Firefighters called to a digger on fire in Wool Crews from Wareham, Dorchester and Poole Fire Stations were called to extinguish a mechanical digger that had burst into flames - WATCH VIDEO. 4 years ago
Purbeck Police appeal after suspected stolen tools found Purbeck Police have found a set of tools at Lytchett Matravers - and are now asking for anyone whose tools have been stolen in the area recently to come forward. 4 years ago
Fire badly damages flat in Swanage A person was treated for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out in a flat in the centre of Swanage in the early hours of the morning. 4 years ago
RNLI launches recruitment for Swanage Beach lifeguards With foreign holidays looking less appealing due to Covid restrictions, the RNLI is getting ready for the summer by advertising for beach lifeguards. 4 years ago
Lockdown beat for the police across Purbeck Officers from Purbeck Police have continued their patrols during the coronavirus lockdown, checking in at beauty spots across the area. 4 years ago
Temporary reprieve granted for Purbeck Paramedic Car The South Western Ambulance Service Trust has confirmed that it won’t scrap the Purbeck Paramedic Car without first consulting with local organisations and residents. 4 years ago
Cause of huge bin lorry fire at Dorset Council depot revealed A fire that ravaged a bin lorry depot and was tackled by fire crews from across Dorset, including Swanage, was most likely started by an electrical fault, although a lightning ... 4 years ago
Dorset Police to reveal what goes on in their ops room To give residents an insight into the workings of Dorset Police, the force is going to share details of the calls they receive in real time over a 12 hour ... 4 years ago
Purbeck Police help two homeless men in Swanage Following reports of two people sleeping rough along Swanage seafront, Purbeck Police have assisted them to find appropriate help. 4 years ago
Woman slips and breaks leg at Peveril Point Volunteers from Swanage’s National Coastwatch Institute were quick to come to the assistance of a woman who had slipped and fallen while out walking. 4 years ago
New lifeboat operations manager for Swanage Swanage Lifeboat Station has announced the appointment of its new lifeboat operations manager, Rob Pullman, following the retirement of Neil Hardy after 30 years of service. 5 years ago
Three deaths on Dorset roads in two crashes Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging all drivers to take care when out on the roads, after three people lost their lives locally this week. 5 years ago
12 year old boy robbed in Swanage Dorset Police has issued CCTV footage of two men, who are suspected of picking up the child by the waist and stealing his hoverboard. 5 years ago
Criminal damage caused to car in Studland Police officers investigating damage to a car parked along Ferry Road in Studland are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. 5 years ago
Man sought by police after dog bites woman Police have issued an image of a man they would like to speak to, following a report of a dog bite incident in Swanage. 5 years ago
Two people found unresponsive in car at Durlston The road to Durlston Country Park was closed off this morning after emergency services were mobilised to investigate an incident in the car park. 5 years ago
Woman falls from cliff top at Old Harry Rescue teams rushed to a woman in her 60s, who fell an estimated 100 foot from the top of the Old Harry Rocks. 5 years ago
Night time rescue of yacht by Swanage RNLI A yacht with no power and taking on water was towed back to Poole after a six hour rescue by the Swanage Lifeboat crew. 5 years ago
Trapped horse rescued by fire crew Proving that fire crews can tackle more than barbecues, Wareham Fire Station freed a trapped horse at Creech Grange near Corfe Castle. 5 years ago
Search continues for missing swimmer at Durdle Door The coastguard is still looking for a man in his 20's from London, who went missing while swimming near Durdle Door. UPDATE: SEARCH CALLED OFF AFTER A BODY FOUND. 5 years ago
The “vast scar” of Wareham Forest fire revealed Drone pictures of scorched heathland in Wareham Forest have been released to warn of the extensive damage that can be caused by disposable barbecues. 5 years ago
RNLI lifeguards back in Swanage for the summer It looked as if plans for RNLI lifeguards to patrol Swanage this year had been scuppered by the coronavirus pandemic but now they’re back on the beach this weekend. 5 years ago
“Appalling” mess left by Studland campers The rubbish dumped by people camping overnight in Studland is “appalling and simply not acceptable” says Purbeck Police. 5 years ago
Climber rescued overnight from cliffs near Anvil Point Swanage and St Alban’s Coastguard teams and both Swanage lifeboats rescued a climber in the middle of the night, after she got stuck on the Boulder Ruckle cliff face. 5 years ago
Durdle Door arch jumpers injured, watched by packed beach Durdle Door beach evacuated as two rescue helicopters went to aid several people with serious injuries, who’d jumped 60 metres off the arch into the sea - SEE RESCUE PHOTOS. 5 years ago
First green shoots of recovery after fire “There is always hope” says Wareham Fire Station as it posts a photo of the first green shoots appearing after the Wareham Forest fire. 5 years ago
RNLI is in an “impossible situation” writes chief exec Car showrooms given more time to prepare than lifeboat crews for easing of restrictions, says RNLI’s chief executive in a strongly-worded open letter - READ THE FULL TEXT. 5 years ago
Wareham Forest fire declared major incident More than 150 fire fighters, including the crew from Swanage, have been called to tackle the fire at Wareham Forest - SEE VIDEO AND PHOTOS. 5 years ago
Swanage could lose ambulance car in June With pressure on funding, the South West Ambulance Service is expected to continue with its plan to withdraw the Swanage-based Purbeck Ambulance Car. 5 years ago
More government clarity required says RNLI The RNLI says it's currently “seeking further clarity” about the easing of lockdown measures, to keep our coast a safe place to visit. 5 years ago
Overnight campers on visit to Studland fined Swanage Fire crew, responding to reports of a fire at Shell Bay Beach, arrived this morning to discover a family camping on the beach. 5 years ago
Good Friday assault in Swanage A man has been arrested for assault in Swanage, after Purbeck Police was alerted to the incident by local residents. 5 years ago
Clap for our community! Swanage residents were out on the streets last night, alongside firefighters, clapping in support of key workers and NHS staff. 5 years ago