COASTGUARDS helped two boats that had broken down and helped a trapped calf.

Just before 10am yesterday a member of the public called Portland coastguard, concerned that a calf was trapped in a barbed wire fence on Ballard Down, Studland.

Swanage Coast Rescue Officers investigated and found that the animal had freed itself. They then notified the farmer.

At 11am the angling boat Duchesse 2 called the coastguards to report they had suffered a power failure off Portland Bill near the West Shambles buoy and required a tow. The motor cruiser Sailfish was on passage to France and picked up a broadcast asking for assistance. They towed the boat back to Weymotuh where it was met by Wyke Coastguards, who took details and gave safety advice.

Just after 9pm a faint call was received on the emergency radio channel from a rib that had broken down between Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton.

Portland coastguards sent Exmouth lifeboat to go and search for the vessel, which they found near Sandy bay.

The stricken vessel was then towed back to harbour.