A LIFEBOAT crew resuced two boys from a sailing boat that had no rudder or sail and was drifting out to sea.

Emergency services rushed to assist the dinghy hull that was around a quarter of a mile from Hengistbury Head on Friday night when the RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat reached the stricken vessel.

The crew found two youths, aged 15 and 16, in the boat. They had paddled out to sea, however, they had lost the paddle overboard. Neither of the teenagers was wearing a life jacket.

It was reported that they were being swept out in the direction of Swanage.

The lifeboat successfully located the pair following reports of the incident at 8.18pm yesterday.

The boys were brought aboard the RNLI Mudeford Servant and they were wrapped in a thermal protective layer to keep them warm. The crew returned the vessel and its passengers to Mudeford Quay.

Once on dry land, Southbourne Coastguard provided first aid and casualty care as well as safety advice.

Dorset Police and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust were also in attendance on the shore.

A member of the RNLI Mudeford team said: "The RNLI crew follow strict procedures during COVID19.

"Not only do the crew put themselves in danger to assist others, once the shout is completed they spend hours thoroughly disinfecting the lifeboat, lifeboat station and all casualty equipment. This ensures the equipment and environment are safe and ready for the next crew and any possible casualties."

Windsurfers, kitesurfers and swimmers have all been seen in the harbour and off Mudeford and Highcliffe beaches recently, according to the lifeboat crew.

RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat requests that the public follow the government’s advice and stay out of the water at this time.