It was a particularly odd call-out for the Port St Mary lifeboat team who found a kayak that had gone on a solo adventure from Northern Ireland to Gansey.

An RNLI volunteer uncovered the upturned kayak on the Manx shore earlier this week and took it back to the lifeboat station where it was discovered that it had been reported missing from Ballywalter in Northern Ireland last week.

The owner, Albert Boul, was contacted and he confirmed via photograph that it was his.

He said: ’It must have fancied a week’s cruise across the Irish Sea!’

A lifeboat spokesman said: ’He sent his heart felt thanks to the crew and hopes to be reunited with his kayak very soon.’