Port Erin lifeboat was launched on New Year’s Day to help rescue two kayakers.

The alert came through from Belfast Coastguard at just before 3.20pm to reports of two kayakers in distress at the Sound.

Lifeboat Muriel and Leslie under the control of helmsman Tony Mitchell took the crew to the Sound where they stood by as Port Erin Coastguard checked out the kayakers.

Fortunately, it turned out to be a false alarm and there were no injuries.

The Port Erin lifeboat returned safely back to station at 3.45pm.

Meanwhile, Douglas Coastguard has reported that 2019 had been a busy year with the team called out to assist with rescues 57 times during the past 12 months.