EMERGENCY services were scrambled following reports a woman was in difficulty at the Gannel Estuary.

Newquay RNLI Lifeboat volunteers, RNLI Lifeguards Newquay and Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team attended the incident on Monday, August 19 at 5.15pm.

Falmouth Coastguard had received reports from a member of the public who had seen a woman who appeared to be stranded on the banks of the River Gannel and waving for help.

The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched and joined RNLI Lifeguards from Crantock who had already completed an in-depth search of the area on the Rescue Water Craft.

Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team located the informant who was able to confirm the exact location of where they saw the person waving and the area was thoroughly searched. 

No one was found to be in difficulty and all the agencies were stood down. The call was deemed to be a false alarm with good intent. 

A spokesperson for Newquay RNLI said: “The crew returned to Newquay Lifeboat Station at 5.45pm and the lifeboat was made ready for service.

“In any coastal emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”