PORTLAND coastguards helped coordinate a major search for a missing angler and the rescue of a kitesurfer on the last day of the coastguard operations room in Weymouth.

At 8.03am, the coastguards launched a search for a possible missing angler in Mudeford after expensive fishing gear was left abandoned near the water’s edge.

It was reported to coastguards at 8.03am yesterday and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter, Southbourne Coastguard, East Dorset Sector Manager, Mudeford RNLI, Poole Bay lifeguards and the NPAS helicopter were all involved in the search.

The search was eventually suspended after no one was found and will be stood down until further information is given to the coastguards.

At 2.23pm, Portland Coastguard received a 999 call reporting a kitesurfer in difficulties in the seas off Exmouth beach.

Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat was launched and Brixham Coastguards took over the incident. The lifeboat was stood down as the kitesurfer safely made shore.