POOLE RNLI began a manhunt for a paddleboarder who had gone missing south of Brownsea Island.

The crew requested to launch at 7:30pm on September 18 after a paddleboard reported that their friend had gone missing.

Both paddleboarders have left from Evening Hill before they had become separated.

A spokesperson for Poole RNLI said: "The D class began its initial search South of Brownsea as light was fading, the Atlantic was requested to launch to join in with the search.

"Poole Coastguard Rescue Team, Southbourne Coastguard and Kimmeridge Coastguard were also tasked, and a major hunt for the missing paddle boarder ensued."

After an extensive search, Poole Coastguard reported that it had spotted the paddleboarder off Hamworthy Park who was then escorted by the RNLI back to shore.

Once on the beach, the Coastguard took the paddleboarder into its care.

Volunteer Jonathan Clark said: "The paddle boarder had covered a large area and it was very fortunate for him that the Coastguards spotted him as darkness had fell."

This was Poole RNLI's second call-out of the day after it had helped rescue a beached speedboat on Hook Sands.

Jonathan blamed north easterly winds and big tides as the reason for the high call-out rate.