MAN MISSING OFF DURDLE DOOR


Rescuers have been searching since 4pm for a man who was reported to be in difficulty whilst swimming in the sea just west of Durdle Door, Dorset.

Portland Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received 999 calls from members of the public at just after 4.00pm today. The callers reported seeing three people in the water, one of whom was in difficulty.

The two RNLI lifeboats based at Weymouth were sent to the scene with the police helicopter and the Wyke and Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Teams. They were joined by a Royal Navy helicopter, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, South West Ambulance and Dorset Police. The Coastguard Rescue helicopter based at Portland, who was on another mission when the call came in, later joined the search. Whilst the rescue units were on their way, a report was received that two other people on the beach went out to help the struggling swimmer. Unfortunately they were unable to recover the swimmer from the water.

Sadly, the person has not been found despite a detailed search of the area. Once the light failed the search was suspended. Coastguard Rescue teams are likely to carry out another shoreline search tomorrow morning.

Portland Coastguard Watch Manager Ros Evans said:

"Everyone involved did everything they could to rescue this person but unfortunately this is increasingly looking like a tragic accident.”

UPDATE: 9:15am Thursday 24th October

Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team has carried out a shoreline search of Bats Head to Durdle Door this morning. The Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Portland is also carrying out another search.

UPDATE: 10:50am Thursday 24th October

Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Portland has carried out another search this morning. Nothing found. Search has now been stood down unless any new information comes to light.

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