The father of a boy rescued from a boat tragedy spoke yesterday of his hope for his son’s missing friend.

Richard Webb, 14, was saved after a boat they took as a prank capsized – but Kyle Moore, also 14, is feared drowned. Richard’s father Jeffrey, 52, said: ‘I feel relieved we’ve got him home. I’m so sorry for Kyle’s mother. I just hope he is hiding somewhere.’

The boys spent 20 minutes in the water off Portland, Dorset, after waves toppled the 10ft rowing boat on Sunday morning. But they drifted apart as a lifeboat arrived just after 3am on Sunday, and Kyle has not been seen since.

Mr Webb added: ‘They were calling each other’s names until they were separated. He didn’t see Kyle again.’

Police, still operating a land search yesterday, said: ‘There’s a chance Kyle is safe and well.’