Aircraft joins search for missing kayaker Alistair Collier who disappeared during race

An aircraft has joined a major search for a kayaker who went missing during a race off the Dorset coast.

Alistair Collier, 60, was last seen at midday on Saturday near to the start of the event in Studland.

An “extensive search” involving police, lifeboats and a helicopter has entered its second day, with a coastguard fixed-wing aircraft now also helping.

The duty commander Mark Rodway said there had been “no sign” of Mr Collier, who is from Worcester.

The Swanage Coastguard confirmed that a white kayak spotted by members of the public on the beach at Ocean Bay was not the one belonging to Mr Collier.

The experienced kayaker was wearing a red life jacket and was in a white canoe with stabiliser, which had a blue stripe on top.

It came as a family friend shared a desperate appeal on Twitter for anyone who may have seen him.

Jessica Vaughn wrote: “My friend’s dad has gone missing after a sea race off #Dorset. Can anyone in the Bournemouth or Swanage area please please keep a look out and help bring him home. Any help would be so appreciated.”

Mr Collier is described as white, 5ft 2in and of medium build. He has brown eyes, black greying hair and a goatee beard and speaks with a northern accent.

Chief Inspector Heather Dixey, of Dorset Police, said: “The search for Alistair is continuing, but unfortunately we have not been able to find him.

“We are urging anyone who has seen a man matching Alistair’s description or his kayak since this afternoon to contact us.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Alistair's whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 6:284.