AN INTENSE search for two dogs that had fallen off cliffs near Swanage ended in tragedy when one was found dead in the water below.

Despite thorough searches by coastguards the other dog is now presumed to have suffered the same fate.

The pair of border collies disappearing over the cliffs at Anvil Point was just one of the calls for help keeping Portland coastguards busy during the weekend.

A couple from Southampton had been walking their dogs on the cliff top at about 3.15pm on Saturday when the accident happened.

"Swanage Coastguard rescue officers and the RNLI inshore lifeboat searched the cliffs," said a spokesman from Portland Coastguard.

"But there's still no reports of the second dog.

"The area was thoroughly searched and all we can presume is that the other dog is stuck on a cliff either alive or deceased.

"It's not unusual for dogs to chase rabbits up there and go over the edge."

Coastguards were also dispatched to the aid of the Weymouth and Portland sailing academy to meet a vessel being towed in after running out of fuel.

The boat had four persons onboard including two children, but had no VHF radio so coastguards advised them on the dangers of having no means of calling for help.

A sea kayaker was also reported in difficulties off Dancing Ledge, near Swanage, but he and another were seen by coastguards reaching the safety of Durlston Bay.