A SEARCH and rescue mission has been launched along the sealine of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Residents have seen a Coastguard helicopter circling from Hengistbury Head to Bournemouth Pier at around 1.30pm on Thursday, November 28.

A spokesman from HM Coastguard said an emergency position-indicating radio beacon came in at around lunchtime the same day.

This is essentially an alert used in emergencies from boaters who are in distress and in need of an immediate rescue.

The spokesman said: "At around midday, an emergency position-indicating radio beacon was activated in the vicinity of Poole Harbour in Dorset.

"Southbourne and Poole Coastguard Rescue Teams have been called to search the area, alongside RNLI Mudeford lifeboat and an HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Lee-on-Solent.

"The search is ongoing."

The RNLI has been approached for more details.

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