A report of an unmanned sailing dinghy prompted rescue teams to respond to a 'concern for welfare' call off Portland.

A concerned member of the public called in the sighting of the dinghy drifting past Blacknor toward Portland Bill. 

Weymouth lifeboat and the Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue team responded to check if any potential occupants required assistance. 

The Coastguard team safely located two people to the East of Portland who where aboard the dingy and their welfare was checked before returning to station.

The incident happened at around 8pm on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for Weymouth Lifeboat Station said: "Following reports from a member of public of a small unmanned sailing dinghy drifting past Blacknor towards Portland Bill, Solent Coastguard expressed concern for the welfare of any persons who may have been on board and requested assistance of Weymouth lifeboat.

"Our volunteer crew aboard Ernest and Mabel proceeded to the reported location to check to see if the dinghy had been recently occupied.

"Meanwhile Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Team were also tasked and located a dinghy matching description to the East of Portland with two persons aboard.

"Our crew checked the welfare of occupants, who were all well, and returned to station.

"A well intentioned call from a member of public, thankfully requiring no further action."