PORTLAND coastguard centre were called to help jetskiers in trouble yesterday.

At 5.38pm on Wednesday, Portland Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre recieved a 999 call about a jetskier who had gone out from Bowleaze Cove heading towards Durdle Door but which had not returned when expected.

Lulworth coastguard rescue officers were sent to search the shoreline, while coastguards, Portland coastguard helicopter and lifeboats kept a sharp lookout during their exercise at Bowleaze Cove.

A team found the craft at Osmington activity centre. The rider had had mechanical problems and paddled ashore.

Weymouth’s inshore lifeboat was sent to recover the rider and jetski and provided a tow back to the slipway.

At 6.50pm coastguards received a report of a jetski aground near Rockley Park, Poole.

Coastguards made a call for assistance from vessels in the area and Maritime Volunteer Service patrol boat 'Tom Sherrin' responded and went to help.

However, within that time the jetskier had managed to refloat his craft and was reported to be heading towards Brownsea Island.

At 6.55pm coastguards were also alerted to an overdue jetskier in Poole Harbour.

While investigating, Dorset Police called to confirm the rider was safe and well ashore, but had needed to land in another area due to the state of the tide.

Just before 10pm, Southbourne coastguards were called to search between Mudeford spit and Sandbanks for a missing 72 year old female suffering from severe dementia who had not been seen for several hours.

The lady was later located safe and well by police near Alum Chine.