The Broughty Ferry lifeboat was called out to two false alarms earlier today – one of which involved a balloon in the water being mistaken for a person.
The RNLI’s inshore lifeboat vessel left its station for Broughty Ferry Beach following reports of a “person in the water” there from a member of the public.
On inspection the crew discovered it was in fact a balloon.
However at 5.53pm lifesavers were again called back to sea, this time to the St Andrews area with reports of a windsurfer “in difficulties”.
On arrival in the area this was deemed a “false alarm with good intent” when they discovered the sportsman was not in any trouble.
A statement from the Broughty Ferry Lifeboat team said: “Broughty Ferry ILB launched to reports of a person in the water spotted by a member of the public from the shore in the vicinity of Broughty Ferry Beach.
“After a search of the area the ILB crew found a balloon in the water. After another search it was deemed the member of the public has spotted the balloon so the ILB was stood down and returned to station, refuelled and ready for service.
“At 17.53 both boats launched at the request of Aberdeen Coastguard to reports of a windsurfer in difficulties in the vicinity of St Andrews.
“When the windsurfer was located and spoken to it was apparent that he was not in difficulty and was in-fact oblivious to the emergency.
“The call was deemed to be a false alarm with good intent. Both boats were stood down and returned to station, refuelled and ready for service and the crew went home for tea.”
