Lifeboat volunteers spent nearly three hours searching the island’s coast last night, after reports of someone in the water.

The crew of Ramsey RNLI were called out at 7.22pm yesterday to reports of possible person in the sea near to the Point of Ayre following a 999 call to the Coastguard by a member of the public.

The volunteer lifeboat crew of the all-weather Ruby Clery were under the command of Coxswain Jason Colley. The Ruby Clery reached search area at 7.52pm. Weather conditions on scene were described as calm with good visibility.

Douglas RNLI Lifeboat was launched to join the search at 8.25pm. The Caernarvon based Coastguard Rescue Helicopter joined the search at 8.44pm. Units from Isle of Man Coastguard were also tasked to assist with the search.

Following a thorough search nothing was found and the search was called off shortly after 10.10pm.

Jason Colley, Coxswain Ramsey RNLI said: ’Fortunately this call turned out to be a false alarm with good intent. The member of public did the right thing in calling the Coastguard when they thought someone was in difficulty.

’We advise anyone who has concerns about people in the sea to act promptly by calling 999 to alert the Coastguard.’

Ruby Clery returned to Ramsey at 10.45pm to be recovered, washed down, rehoused and made ready for service.