COASTGUARD officials launched a search after a dinghy was found drifting in the sea near Old Harry Rocks yesterday.

Rescue teams were called out after the discovery of the six-foot plastic rowing dinghy was made.

As it was not known if anyone had fallen into the water from the vessel, coastguard teams were involved in a search and the helicopter made a sweep of the area yesterday afternoon. Nothing untoward was found.

This morning, coastguards said there is no active ongoing search, but they will review the situation if there is any new information.

A spokesman said: "We are remaining vigilant and we have asked all vessels in the Poole area to keep a sharp eye out."

No one has been reported missing.

The dinghy was launched from Swanage Sailing Club, which is based at Buck Shore, at some point after dusk on Saturday evening. 

A spokesman from the Swanage RNLI said the inshore lifeboat team are involved in the search.

"The crew of a local fishing boat found a rowing dinghy drifting out to sea," the spokesperson said.

"The dinghy had been secured to a mooring by the crew of the fishing boat but the Coastguard was concerned that someone may have fallen out of it.

"The inshore lifeboat launched and was soon alongside the dinghy.

"There were oars on board and some other items that could have indicated that someone had been on board.

"The dinghy was towed ashore and a member of the Swanage Sailing Club said the dinghy was one of theirs and that it was usually stored with the oars inside."

Anyone with any information about this dinghy should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.​