Looe RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Sheila and Dennis Tongue II had just launched for planned navigation training and was heading towards Looe Island when pagers sounded in the boathouse. Falmouth Coastguards had received multiple 999 calls reporting a paddle boarder in difficulties off Seaton on Wednesday evening (June 6).

The Atlantic 85 crew was immediately tasked by the coastguards: the helm changed course and headed towards Seaton. At the same time the D Class inshore lifeboat Ollie Naismith was launching from the boathouse slipway.

On reaching a paddle boarder the Atlantic 85 crew confirmed the boarder was not in any difficulty.

The D Class crew made their way to speak to the first informant on Seaton beach to check this was the paddle boarder they were concerned about.

The inshore lifeboat crews then stood by until the paddle boarder got back to Seaton, after which the volunteer crews continued with their planned navigation training.

Looe RNLI’s volunteer helms said: ‘Though this was a false alarm with good intent, from the shore it appeared that someone was in trouble and the informants did the right thing by calling 999. Anyone who has concerns about people along the coast or in the water should act promptly and call 999 to alert the Coastguard.’