After a busy lifeboat week the Swanage RNLI volunteers were hoping for an early night on Sunday 20th August 2023 – until they were called on to assist in the search for a missing person.
Dorset police had contacted the UK Coastguard and requested assistance with a search for a missing person in the area of Knoll Beach, Studland, so both Swanage lifeboats were launched at 9.26pm.
The Swanage Lifeboat crew of 2023, ready for action at any time
Missing person located in sand dunes
Police officers and the police helicopter were already on scene. Coastguard teams from Swanage and St Albans Head were also requested to assist.
Both lifeboats launched and made best speed to the Knoll Beach area. As the lifeboats arrived on scene information was received over the radio that a person had been located by the police helicopter in the sand dunes.
Police and Coastguard units were directed to the person’s location and once they were confirmed as being safe the lifeboats were stood down to return to station.
A special thank you to Swanage for all the support shown during Lifeboat Week
Very successful Lifeboat Week
Swanage all weather lifeboat crew were Coxon Dave Turnbull, Gavin Steeden, John Deas, Phil Palmer, Duncan Youngs, Alan Parmenter and Fergus Holley.
The inshore lifeboat crew were Helm Tom Greasty, Dan Lander, Matthew Steeden and Darren Tomes, while the shore crew were Luke Kill, Andy Redout, Gary Buglass, Emily Condie and Ben Bamber.
All had been heavily involved with a very successful Swanage Lifeboat Week, which held its final event on Sunday afternoon, 20th August, 2023, with the annual church service on Swanage Pier.