KAYAKERS who capsized in choppy waters off the Dorset coast were rescued.

Coastguards issued a Mayday alert to vessels on Saturday following multiple 999 calls reporting a kayaker in trouble at Worbarrow Bay east of Lulworth.

Both Weymouth RNLI all-weather and inshore lifeboats were launched at 12.50pm.

By the time that the faster inshore lifeboat was on scene at 1.10pm the crew of a Border Force vessel had helped a capsized kayaker get onto their boat.

Rescuers said the middle-aged man was then transferred onto a lifeboat to be taken back to Lulworth Cove where he and his friend, also in a kayak, had set off from.

An RNLI spokesman said the second kayaker at first refused a lift on the inshore lifeboat and was being escorted back to Lulworth Cove when he also capsized and was then brought onto the lifeboat.

Both were then taken back safely to Lulworth.

RNLI volunteer helm Karl Sargent said: "The wind conditions on scene were a force 4-5 with a one metre swell, which meant that once they were capsized it was extremely difficult to climb back into the kayak.

"On returning them to shore safety advice was given, particularly about carrying a means of calling for help, which should always be on the person so that it can be used quickly if needed."