During the evening of New Year’s day, pagers sounded for the first time in 2026 for the Swanage lifeboat crew and coastguard teams, following information that a small boat with a person on board was sinking off the coast from Peveril Point in Dorset.
Swanage’s inshore lifeboat was first to launch, followed by the larger all weather lifeboat, just after 9 pm on Thursday 1st January 2026 and they both headed out in the dark and the cold, to look for the vessel and its occupant.
The Swanage inshore lifeboat and its crew, head down the ramp to launch
Parachute flares
Both lifeboats were quickly on the scene about 1.5 nautical miles off the coast, and began to search the area using equipment including parachute flares but nothing was detected.
Meanwhile Swanage Coastguard rescue officers scanned the horizon from the shoreline at Peveril Point, using vehicle headlights to illuminate the sea.
A coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee on Solent in Hampshire was also brought in to help with the sea search.
Swanage’s all weather lifeboat Shannon 13-13 conducted the search in conjunction with the coastguard helicopter
“No trace of any vessel nor person”
Swanage Lifeboat Station reported:
“The inshore lifeboat went to scour the shoreline in the area of Durlston Bay whilst the all weather boat 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.”
Swanage Coastguard vehicles at Peveril Point in Swanage
“Search was stood down pending any new information”
HM Coastguard coordinated the search across a large area throughout the multi agency operation.
Swanage Coastguard reported:
“Despite freezing conditions, crews searched for over two hours. No evidence of the vessel was found, and the sole person believed to be on board – thought to have come from Poole – has not been located.
“With no further information or reports of a missing person, the search was stood down pending any new information.
“Anyone with information that may assist, is urged to contact the coastguard by calling 999 and asking for the coastguard.”
Further information
- Swanage Coastguard is looking for more people to join its team in 2026. Anyone interested in learning more can get in contact via the Facebook page or its website
- More about Swanage Lifeboat Station
