A RESCUE operation was launched after a dinghy capsized in Southampton Water.

Coastguards were alerted after a person was seen swimming towards the shore between Netley and Weston Sailing Club.

The swimmer waded ashore at Netley and was given a check-up by members of South central Ambulance Service.

Calshot RNLI lifeboat righted the overturned dinghy and towed it to shore.

An RNLI spokesman said: "Just after 4pm yesterday HM Coastguard received a 999 call from a member of the public who reported a capsized boat with someone in the water swimming to shore.

"The Calshot RNLI lifeboat was sent, along with Hill Head Coastguard Rescue Team.

"The person swam to Netley and was checked over by the coastguard rescue team before being passed into the care of the ambulance service."