THE coastguard investigated a boat over concerns someone might have fallen in the water.

The Swanage coastguard team was packing up from training on Thursday (January 26) when they were alerted to a cabin cruiser moored in an unusual position in Swanage Bay.

It was moored off the boat park slipway with its navigation lights on but nobody was on board.

Concerned that someone may have fallen in the water, the team first boarded the boat to look for any occupants and then conducted a shoreline search.

With nothing found, extra mooring ropes were added to the boat to protect it against the incoming easterly winds.

Using the registration number and the name on the boat, the team were able to identify the owner who confirmed he was safe and well.

The owner was able to be identified by the CG66, a HM Coastguard registration form where owners can voluntarily register their boat details.

This means that the coastguard can contact them if the need arises.