Both the Swanage lifeboats were finally back ashore after completing the last of their searches for the missing kayaker when the UK Coastguard received a report of a person in the water with something red floating next to them. This description matched that of the missing kayaker. The Coastguard helicopter was in the area searching so was diverted to the scene, off Winspit, but they only had a few minutes of fuel left so both the Swanage lifeboats were sent too in case the helicopter had to leave before finding the person. The inshore lifeboat was first to launch as there was already a crew at the station. The all-weather lifeboat launched a few minutes later and both boats made best speed to the scene. As they approached the scene the Coastguard helicopter had located and winched up two spear fishermen one of which had a red surface marker buoy. The inshore lifeboat recovered the marker buoy and with no further assistance required both boats returned to Swanage to be washed down, refuelled and made ready for service again.