The D class was tasked initially and arrived on scene to conduct a search; police were shoreside alongside Poole coastguards and other units. The Atlantic was also tasked and a search and rescue helicopter. The lifeboats began searching from the shoreline, stepping out every leg, an extensive search ensued.

Information then came from the shore that cries for help had been heard and a bicycle was found on the beach. This was used as a datum point to intensify the search and then the coastguard unit on the shore spotted a speck of light.

The D Class found the casualty nearly three cables off the beach (about 600 metres).

They lifeboat crew swiftly transferred the casualty to the care of the paramedics who were standing by on the beach and an ambulance took the casualty to hospital.

The lifeboats returned to station, they were refuelled, and had a wash down, they were ready for service – and the volunteer crew were ready for their beds – at 4.30am.