Both of Tenby’s RNLI lifeboats were launched at 2.10 am on Saturday (July 11) following a report to the Coastguard that red flares had possibly been spotted in the vicinity of Ginst Point, 12 miles north-east of Tenby.

The lifeboats made best speed towards Ginst Point, while Ferryside IRB and Tenby and Llansteffan Coastguard Teams also made their way.

Once on scene, the volunteer crews began their search using Radar and both Night Vision and Thermal (FLIR) cameras, with the Haydn Miller searching offshore and the Georgina Taylor searching inside Carmarthen Bar, while the Coastguard teams searched from land. The search was soon joined by Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 187 from St Athan.

After a thorough search by land, sea and air, lasting several hours and with nothing found and nobody reported missing, the incident was put down to a false alarm and all units stood down.

Both Tenby Lifeboats returned to station, arriving at 5.20 am.