A major air and sea search was carried out last night (Saturday) following a reported sighting of distress flares.

The flares were reported as being seen some five miles due east of Douglas.

Douglas’s all-weather lifeboat, Marine Engineer was launched at just after 11.30pm and the search began under the direction of the Coastguard.

After two hours with nothing being found, the Coastguard helicopter joined the search which then continued for another two and a half hours.

At just before 4am this morning, with nothing untoward being found, both lifeboat and helicopter were stood down.