A DRUNKEN skinny dipper triggered a big rescue operation involving Walmer lifeboat crews, police and coastguards.

While the two-hour search continued, the naked man had come ashore and found his way back to his bed and breakfast accommodation.

He had no idea his midnight swim had caused an emergency alert and when finally tracked down by police officers he was more than surprised.

A police spokesman said: "He took up lots of resources and at one point we had nine officers on the case, as well as the coastguards and lifeboat crews. His behaviour was inconsiderate and he had given no thought to his actions."

Walmer Lifeboat secretary Denis Brophy said: "A member of the public found the man fully clothed but drunk in the sea. He brought him ashore and he said he was okay. But it seems he later took his clothes off and went for another dip. When his pile of clothing was found on the beach the search was started."

Mr Brophy said both Walmer lifeboats were launched at 3.10am on Sunday and checked out the foreshore until 5am. The wet, discarded pile of clothes included a mobile phone and credit cards, so checks were made to try and identify the mystery swimmer.

Coastguard auxiliaries and police officers joined in the hunt while Metropolitan Police made calls through credit card companies to check the man's name and address.

Meanwhile, the swimmer had been pulled by the current and came ashore, unable to find his clothing and forced to walk naked to his bed and breakfast accommodation.

The police spokesman added: "He had to wake someone up to be let in and when we found him he was spoken to at length. He was very well spoken and very well educated. He came from London but has not been charged."

Police are not revealing his name or address.