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Canoeists sea search called off Cries for help search called off
(20 minutes later)
A massive air and sea search launched off the Dorset coast after shouts for help were heard close to the harbour at Lyme Regis has been called off.A massive air and sea search launched off the Dorset coast after shouts for help were heard close to the harbour at Lyme Regis has been called off.
Passers-by had reported hearing the cries and alerted the coastguard.Passers-by had reported hearing the cries and alerted the coastguard.
The search was called off after two canoeists, who had been seen by witnesses setting off at dusk, came forward after hearing about the search. The search was called off after a canoeist and a surfer - seen by witnesses setting off at dusk - came forward after hearing about the search.
Three lifeboats, two helicopters and a coastguard rescue team had searched overnight.Three lifeboats, two helicopters and a coastguard rescue team had searched overnight.
Ros Evans, Portland Coastguard watch manager, said: "We have now terminated a search as we are confident that there is no-one in danger and our search area has been entirely covered.Ros Evans, Portland Coastguard watch manager, said: "We have now terminated a search as we are confident that there is no-one in danger and our search area has been entirely covered.
"Initial concerns the cries of help were from two local canoeists have been assuaged as they have now been located safe and well. "It transpires that although [the canoeist and surfer] did go out last night they were safely ashore long before the search commenced.
"It transpires that although they did go out last night they were safely ashore long before the search commenced. "Portland Coastguard requests that if you are taking a night time trip out on to the water you inform us of your intentions and then confirm when you have safely returned."
"Portland Coastguard requests that if you are taking a night time trip out on to the water you inform us of your intentions and then confirm when you have safely returned. She said the two men had acted "very responsibly when they heard of the search by coming forward".
"These particular canoeists did actually act very responsibly when they heard of the search by coming forward."
The search began when the Portland Coastguard was alerted shortly after 2200 BST on Wednesday and was terminated at 0800 BST.The search began when the Portland Coastguard was alerted shortly after 2200 BST on Wednesday and was terminated at 0800 BST.
The Lyme Coastguard Rescue Team, the Lyme inshore lifeboat and the independent inshore lifeboat from Sidmouth searched throughout the night.The Lyme Coastguard Rescue Team, the Lyme inshore lifeboat and the independent inshore lifeboat from Sidmouth searched throughout the night.
As concern stepped up, the coastguard rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent, the all-weather lifeboat from Weymouth and an RAF helicopter from Chivenor joined in the search.As concern stepped up, the coastguard rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent, the all-weather lifeboat from Weymouth and an RAF helicopter from Chivenor joined in the search.