A BOAT raced ‘dangerously’ round in circles after its three young crew members were thrown into the sea.

Three teenagers plunged into the water in Studland Bay, prompting a number of 999 calls to Portland Coastguard on Tuesday.

One was rescued by the yacht Ruffian while the other two managed to swim ashore. One of the teenagers was then airlifted from the beach by the rescue helicopter and taken to hospital suffering from cuts, bruises and hypothermia.

A lifeboat crew managed to stop the out of control boat and towed it to safety.

Coastguards said the teenagers were advised about using a kill cord which can stop a boat’s engine when someone falls out of a boat and has been proven to save lives.

Portland Coastguard watch manager Bruce Lack said: “A kill cord is an essential piece of safety equipment that can be found on all modern personal watercraft and motor boats. It is useless unless worn and the recommended use is to wear around the thigh of the driver.

“Older outboard engines can be retro-fitted with a kill cord very simply and easily.

“It is recommended to fit one and use it. It may help save your life in an emergency.”