Windsurfing equipment left on the beach sparks a search by coastguards and the lifeboat to find the owner.

RNLI lifeguards at West Bay reported some unattended windsurfing equipment on East Beach and just before 5.45pm on Wednesday afternoon, West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team went to investigate.

Lifeguards reported that on the Tuesday, similar equipment was in use by a member of the public who left the beach with the equipment that evening.

On Wednesday morning, the equipment was back on the beach unattended when the lifeguards started their shift, and was still unattended late into the afternoon.

Coastguards took details from lifeguards and found that the equipment was not marked with any owners contact information, nor did it show signs of recent use or appear to have been washed up on the shore.

Officers sent photos to Solent Coastguard which felt the situation warranted further investigation and the RNLI Lyme Regis lifeboat was called to help with a search for the owner.

A spokesman for West Bay Coastguard said: "Whilst waiting for additional resources to arrive, the West Bay officers started searching the local car parks for the owner and possible abandoned vehicles, whilst the officer in charge started planning for a coastal search.

"As additional officers and the lifeboat were arriving on scene, the owner of the equipment arrived and made himself known.

"The owner had planned for a day of windsurfing but due to the weather conditions and sea state, had instead spent the day pursuing other activities leaving the equipment in place on the beach.

"Safety advice was given by the officers, including the marking of the equipment with contact information and safe storage to avoid future callouts.

"With no persons now at risk, the coastguard team and lifeboat were then stood down to return to station.

"Have a fantastic time at the coast this summer, but if you find yourself in difficulty or if you see something that gives you cause for concern then do not hesitate, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

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