A rowing boat has capsized off Dorset sparking a coastguard rescue operation.

Just before noon yesterday an offshore rowing boat capsized south of Portland. 

A crew from Weymouth Lifeboat was tasked with aiding the vessel, which was on a journey from Salcombe to Gosport.

The rowing boat managed to self-right and the crew member who had been knocked off was recovered from the water by the one who had managed to stay onboard.

The lifeboat crew assesed the rowing boat and determined it had been damaged and could not continue its journey.

The boat was towed to Weymouth Harbour by the lifeboat.

A spokesperson for Weymouth Lifeboat said: "Requested at 11.53am to aid a capsized offshore rowing boat, located approximately 2.5 nautical miles south of Portland Bill, who were on a passage from Salcombe to Gosport.

"Our volunteer crew aboard the lifeboats Ernest & Mabel launched at 12.08pm, and was on the scene at 12.36pm.

"Meanwhile, the offshore rowing boat had self-righted and one crew member was recovered from the water by the other crew member who had managed to remain on board.

"Following an assessment of the vessel it was determined that it had sustained damage and that the crew could not continue their passage.

"The casualty vessel with the two crew members aboard was then towed to Weymouth Harbour at 12.55pm.

"Ernest & Mabel re-entered Weymouth harbour at 2.39pm, and the casualty vessel made safe and released at 2.50pm."

A spokesperson for Wyke Regis Coastguard Rescue Team said: "Team tasked just before 2.30pm to assist Weymouth Lifeboat bring an ocean rowing boat alongside the waiting pontoon."