THE coastguard was tasked with helping recover a vessel which had run aground at Highcliffe Beach.

Southbourne Coastguard were tasked to help the vessel on Thursday evening.

A spokesperson said: “Whilst returning to our station we were tasked by the joint rescue coordination centre to a vessel aground at Highcliffe Beach by the rock groynes.

“Once on scene RNLI Mudeford lifeboat were taking the boat under their control and assisted with removing the rope which had fouled the propeller and took the boat back to Mudeford Quay where the five people on board the vessel were reunited with their boat.

“They then passaged back up the river to their mooring under their own control with Mudeford Lifeboat shadowing them in case further assistance was required.

“We provided suitable words of safety advice and then returned to station.”