A missing sailor was found in Swanage Bay on Tuesday evening after reports of a yacht acting strangely.

Solent Coastguard had become increasingly concerned for the lone yachtsman sailing along the south coast as they had been unable to locate him, despite repeated requests for information broadcast to shipping.

The local RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched to Swanage Bay to investigate the reports of strange behaviour further, where they discovered the disorientated sailor.

An RNLI spokesperson said: “The crew of a sail training ship anchored in Swanage Bay reported a yacht seemed to be acting strangely in the bay and reported the yacht to Solent Coastguard.

“As the yacht fitted the description the Swanage RNLI inshore lifeboat was asked to investigate.”

Two volunteer crewmembers were put aboard the yacht and an assessment of the skipper’s condition found him to be very confused.

An ambulance was called shortly after while the yacht was secured to Swanage Pier in order to transfer the skipper safely ashore.