A YACHT lost control and had to be rescued after being anchored in Swanage Bay.

Swanage Inshore Lifeboat was launched to assist the vessel at 6.49am this morning.

A spokesman for Swanage Lifeboat said: “An early start for the Swanage volunteers this morning when the inshore lifeboat (ILB) was requested to launch.

“The skipper of a 25’ yacht at anchor in Swanage Bay had called for assistance when his anchor started dragging and he was unable to re-secure his vessel.

“Blustery south easterly winds overnight had caused quite a swell in the bay and with the yacht fairly close inshore it had been rolling well all night.

“The inshore lifeboat launched and was soon alongside. A crew member was put aboard and after a quick chat with the skipper to make sure that he was OK the yacht was motored out to sea and secured to the lifeboat mooring. The skipper elected to remain on board to get some rest before continuing on his voyage. The ILB was then released to return to station.”