Coastguard Praises Public After False Alarm Call Leads To Swift Safety Check
Furness Coastguard has commended a vigilant member of the public after an emergency call reporting a person apparently drifting out to sea near Earnse Bay turned out to be a false alarm with good intent. Rescue officials stressed that people should never hesitate to report concerns when they believe someone may be in danger.
The incident occurred on Saturday, July 11, while members of the coastguard team were attending an event at the Ulverston Blue Light Hub. The team immediately left the event after receiving reports of an inflatable drifting offshore and travelled to the scene to assess the situation.
When coastguard officers arrived, they discovered that the inflatable was actually a kayak fitted with an outboard motor. People at the location informed the rescue team that the individual on board was a fisherman who had been on the water throughout the day and was not in any danger.
As part of the emergency response, Barrow RNLI's inshore lifeboat was also dispatched. However, after the situation was assessed and no assistance was required, the lifeboat crew was stood down and rescue resources returned to normal duties.
Following the incident, Furness Coastguard thanked the person who contacted emergency services, explaining that the report was made with genuine concern for another person's safety. The team described the incident as a false alarm with good intent, adding that it is always preferable to investigate a potential emergency rather than risk leaving someone in danger.
Coastguard officials continue to encourage the public to contact emergency services if they witness anything at sea that appears unusual or potentially life threatening. They say quick reporting can make a critical difference during genuine emergencies, even if some incidents ultimately prove to be harmless.
The rescue team later returned to the Ulverston Blue Light Hub event after completing the operation. The incident serves as a reminder that public awareness and prompt action remain an important part of keeping people safe along Cumbria's coastline.
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