Lifeboat rescues stranded kayaker

A kayaker was rescued after he became separated from his group and got into difficulties off the Dorset coast.

The man, part of a group of four, hit strong tidal currents off Portland Bill on Tuesday night.

His cries for help were heard and the alarm was raised. Two nearby fishing boats responded and waited by the man before the RNLI lifeboat arrived.

The man was brought into Weymouth and reunited with his colleagues. He was slightly shaken, but unhurt.

Ros Evans, watch manager at Portland Coastguard, said: "Fortunately the tidal race in that area was reasonably slight, although still too powerful for a single kayaker.

"The group were well set up with radios, lights and flares, but one of their number just caught the edge of the race and was pulled in.

"It is a lesson to all sea users how clearly charts, weather forecasts and tides should be studied before anyone chooses to set out."