Swanage Coastguard

Swanage Coastguard Swanage HMCoastguard
Search and Rescue (SAR)

After the turmoil of the past week, the Coastguard team got back to what we do best, carrying out a patrol on the south ...
06/06/2026

After the turmoil of the past week, the Coastguard team got back to what we do best, carrying out a patrol on the south side of Poole Harbour.

Eighty-two years ago today, the residents of Swanage watched as the greatest invasion in history began to unfold. Many local people witnessed the vast armada heading towards Normandy, knowing that many of those involved would never return.

One such tragedy was that of the Misery Agent, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-24H Liberator bomber (Serial No. 42-52643). Assigned to the 34th Bomb Group, 7th Squadron, the aircraft took off from RAF Mendlesham in Suffolk during the early hours of D-Day, tasked with bombing Caen in support of Allied troops.

Heavy cloud cover prevented the crew from locating their target, and they were ordered to return to base. While flying a holding pattern over Dorset to safely manage the immense volume of Allied air traffic, the aircraft ran out of fuel. The pilot attempted to land the heavy bomber, but it stalled and crashed into woodland near Corfe Castle. Tragically, all nine aircrew members lost their lives instantly.

Today, team members paid their respects to the nine servicemen at the memorial site, which the team created and continues to maintain. A wreath was laid in remembrance before continuing with local knowledge checks of access routes and gates—just one of the many activities undertaken to ensure the team remains operationally ready.

So far this year, the team has attended 34 incidents, with the latest being in the Arne area in support of a policing operation.

Lest we forget.

#999 ex

All it takes is a little thank you ❤️Following this week's incident on the Downs involving Chester, we were delighted to...
31/05/2026

All it takes is a little thank you ❤️

Following this week's incident on the Downs involving Chester, we were delighted to receive a visit from him at the station. Chester came along to say thank you and, more importantly, to show there were no hard feelings after being firmly placed into a rescue bag designed to safely recover dogs.

Of course, if you suddenly found yourself being lifted into a bag while scared, unsure of what was happening, having been stuck and enduring a thunderstorm, you’d probably feel the same way!

We also learned that when Chester left his owners, they were nowhere near the cliff edge. He had covered quite a distance before unfortunately going over the side.

Chester’s owners would once again like to pass on their sincere thanks to everyone involved in the rescue and recovery. We're very pleased to see Chester safe, well, and back where he belongs.

For the second time this week, and in extremely challenging conditions, a large multi-agency rescue operation took place...
28/05/2026

For the second time this week, and in extremely challenging conditions, a large multi-agency rescue operation took place last night to save a dog stranded on the cliffs — ending successfully after a demanding 5½-hour incident.

Coastguard Rescue Teams from Swanage and St Albans were tasked following reports of a golden retriever stuck partway down the cliff. Swanage RNLI lifeboat, already returning from another callout, spotted the dog on a ledge and remained on scene throughout to provide vital illumination.

On arrival, a Coastguard Rescue Officer was lowered down to secure the dog, who was trapped on a narrow ledge with a significant drop below. The first challenge was gaining the dog’s trust, made even harder as the weather deteriorated with heavy rain and a large electrical storm moving in.

Once secured, crews attempted to recover Chester using a specially designed dog rescue bag. Unfortunately, Chester had other ideas and managed to escape both the bag and his collar.

After re-securing him and working to keep him calm, a second Coastguard Rescue Officer was lowered to assist. Despite everyone’s best efforts, Chester again managed to break free from the rescue bag.

Additional assistance was requested from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, alongside Kimmeridge Coastguard Rescue Team. Crews from Swanage and the specialist rope rescue team from Poole arrived, deploying another rope technician — meaning three rescue personnel were now working together on the cliff face.

Through excellent teamwork and careful handling to ensure Chester’s safety, he was finally secured in a second rescue bag and successfully recovered. The fire service technician was then lowered to the base of the cliff, met by the Kimmeridge team, and all parties safely exited via the zig-zag path.

This was an outstanding example of multi-agency teamwork coming together to safely reunite a much-loved family dog with his owners.

We would like to thank all of our colleagues who worked tirelessly in difficult conditions, the RNLI crew for maintaining scene lighting throughout, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service for their assistance as crews became fatigued, and of course all Coastguard personnel involved for their endurance and professionalism.

Please remember:🐾 Keep dogs on leads near cliffs🐾 Never attempt a rescue yourself🐾 Always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard

With the hot weather, the team had a busy afternoon and evening responding to four separate incidents across the area.Th...
25/05/2026

With the hot weather, the team had a busy afternoon and evening responding to four separate incidents across the area.

The first call came just after 14:00, when the team was requested to attend Studland following reports of a missing father and daughter. After some initial enquiries, the family were safely reunited.

As the team was leaving Studland, a further call came in regarding a medical incident near Shell Bay. Team members attended and assisted before handing the casualty over to the ambulance service.

Just after 18:00, the team, alongside St Albans Coastguard Rescue Team, attended reports of a dog over the cliff near Peveril Point. With no exact location for Tilly, teams began searching the area. Thanks to the assistance of a member of the public who was flying a drone nearby, the owner and dog were spotted walking along the beach and were safely assisted back up the cliff.

Remarkably, Tilly had fallen approximately 120 feet and escaped without injury, although it was understandably a frightening experience for the owners. This incident serves as an important reminder to keep dogs on leads when near cliff edges.

Finally, just after 21:00, the team was called to assist Dorset Police on the south side of Swanage. Thankfully, this also resulted in a successful outcome, with the team returning to station shortly after 23:00.

Coastguard teams around the country experienced an exceptionally busy day, responding to incidents ranging from medical emergencies to missing children.

With temperatures expected to be even higher over the Bank Holiday Monday, please make sure you prepare properly if you are heading to the coast:
• Carry plenty of water
• Keep dogs on leads near cliffs
• Supervise children closely
• Check tide times and conditions
• Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard in an emergency

Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine responsibly

23/05/2026

Taking a dip in the sea on a hot day? ⛱️

Don’t be fooled, just because it’s sunny doesn’t mean the water is warm.

Entering cold water, whether deliberately or accidentally, can cause cold water shock.

When this happens, you may gasp involuntarily, followed by rapid breathing that can be very difficult to control. This can increase the risk of inhaling water and drowning.

Never jump straight in. Instead, enter the water slowly to help your body adjust, and avoid swimming alone. Wearing a wetsuit can also help by improving buoyancy and reducing the effects of cold water.

Don’t forget to have warm clothes ready for when you come back to shore.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

At 15:00 today, the Swanage Coastguard Rescue Team, St Albans Coastguard Rescue Team, both Swanage RNLI lifeboats, and D...
21/05/2026

At 15:00 today, the Swanage Coastguard Rescue Team, St Albans Coastguard Rescue Team, both Swanage RNLI lifeboats, and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were tasked to reports of a person falling overboard from a vessel off Durlston Bay.
Further reports then stated that the boat had crashed ashore in Durlston Bay and caught fire.

The casualty was quickly recovered from the water by a passing vessel and taken to Poole, where they were met by Poole Coastguard.

Due to the difficult location of the vessel on the shoreline, Coastguard Rescue Teams and fire crews made their way into Durlston Bay, with fire crews also being transported aboard the lifeboats.

The vessel was monitored for any pollution risk while fire crews dealt with the burning hull.

Fire crews and Coastguard teams returned again this evening to reassess the wreck and continue cooling operations.

Enquiries will now be carried out into how the incident occurred, along with plans for the recovery of the wreck from the shoreline.

This afternoon, Coastguard teams from St Albans, Kimmeridge and Swanage were tasked to assist two people who had become ...
02/05/2026

This afternoon, Coastguard teams from St Albans, Kimmeridge and Swanage were tasked to assist two people who had become stuck on the cliffs near St Albans Head.

On arrival near the quarry, teams began searching and calling out but needed to set up specialist equipment to safely reach a position where they could communicate with the pair. The area was covered in dense hawthorn bushes, making access particularly challenging.

A rope technician was carefully lowered to secure the individuals and prevent further danger. The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from St Athan was also tasked to assist, helping guide the technician along a safe route. With the support of the winchman, both casualties were successfully recovered.

They were airlifted to the top of the cliffs along with the technician, where an
ambulance crew assessed them.

#999

We were honoured today to welcome the High Sheriff of Dorset, Callum Bremner JP, on a visit to the team. After outlining...
22/02/2026

We were honoured today to welcome the High Sheriff of Dorset, Callum Bremner JP, on a visit to the team. After outlining the responsibilities of the role, the High Sheriff praised the vital work carried out by the Coastguard in support of the local community.

Several team members were recognised for their outstanding long service, with Phil Samways reaching an incredible milestone of 52 years of service. The dedication shown by our volunteers was also extended to their families, whose support makes it possible for so many hours of service to be given.

Despite weather that could have been far kinder, the team then headed to Old Harry Rocks for a rope rescue exercise. A number of different scenarios were set up and successfully completed before the High Sheriff himself was accompanied over the cliff as part of the training.

We are pleased to report that the High Sheriff was safely recovered, followed by several further descents before the team returned to Swanage — along with some very wet equipment and a strong sense of achievement.

🐾 Uska Reunited With Owner 🐾Uska the Golden Retriever was visiting the Dancing Ledge area when she suddenly decided that...
21/02/2026

🐾 Uska Reunited With Owner 🐾

Uska the Golden Retriever was visiting the Dancing Ledge area when she suddenly decided that running off with some deer was a great idea — and left her owner behind.

Unfortunately, it was very foggy and getting dark. After searching unsuccessfully, the owners contacted HM Coastguard for assistance as Uska was lost in the fog and could not be located.

The Swanage Coastguard Team and St Albans Coastguard Team were tasked just before 6pm and arrived quickly, having already been dealing with a previous incident involving two paddle boarders.

In darkness, very poor visibility and extremely muddy conditions, the teams deployed to Dancing Ledge, Belle Vue, Priests Way and Anvil Point, beginning a coordinated search that lasted around two hours.

As conditions and communications worsened, the teams were recalled to Spyway Farm after the owners checked Uska’s tracker again, which had previously not been showing due to poor signal. This time, her location appeared. The owners and coastguard teams quickly made their way to the area and successfully reunited with Uska in a nearby field as she was heading back towards their vehicle.

The owners, visiting from Belgium to see family locally, were overjoyed to be reunited with Uska and thanked everyone involved for their efforts.

We would also like to thank those members of the public who offered assistance. However, due to the weather and darkness, we did not want anyone else to place themselves at risk.

💙 A great outcome in very challenging conditions.

⚠️ Coastal Safety Update – Swanage ⚠️Please avoid the beach and the lower High Street in Swanage during this period of h...
18/02/2026

⚠️ Coastal Safety Update – Swanage ⚠️

Please avoid the beach and the lower High Street in Swanage during this period of high tide.

🌊 Current conditions:
• Sea water is overtopping the seafront
• Debris and stones are being thrown onto the road
• Large waves are sweeping across pavements

🚧 The Council will be closing the lower High Street due to flooding and hazardous conditions.

🙏 For your safety and the safety of others, do not enter these areas and avoid unnecessary travel near the seafront.

📞 In a coastal emergency:
Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Address

North Beach Car Park, De Moulham Road
Swanage
BH191LP

Website

http://www.dtnetnt.net/swanagecoastguard.org.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Swanage Coastguard posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category