TWO RNLI lifeboats were launched after reports of a dinghy with children on board being blown out to sea at Saltcoats.

Both Troon lifeboats were launched following the alert at 4.53pm on Monday, July 24.

Due to the nature of the incident, Belfast Coastguard immediately tasked the Trent class all-weather lifeboat RNLB Jim Moffat, D Class inshore lifeboat Telford Shopping Centre, Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team as well as the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter Rescue 199 to the scene.

Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team were able to speak to the initial reporter and confirmed the location of the dinghy passing this to the lifeboats and the helicopter heading to the scene.

The Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter soon arrived overhead confirming that there were four adults on board the dinghy and they appeared to be fishing.

The lifeboats were soon alongside with the lifeboat crew confirming that those in board were not in any difficulty. As all were safe on board, the call was put down to a false alarm with good intent, so the lifeboats returned to Troon where they were made ‘ready for service’ with assistance of the shore crew.

Troon Lifeboat Coxswain Joe Millar said: “This callout was a false alarm with good intent.

“We would always rather launch and not be needed, than not be called and learn that someone had been in trouble."