Whitby Coastguard team members were called out to reports of a paddleboarder being blown out to sea – only to find the call was not quite as it seemed!

Some of the team were over at Staithes last night (Apr 28) for a session with the ops room, when a call came through reporting what was believed to be a paddleboarder being blown out to sea.

The Whitby CG team members made their way back towards Whitby, working closely with the ops room to build a clearer picture of what they might be dealing with.

With various search teams split up and positioned around the pier, Whitby Pavilion and promenade, and binoculars on the water, the coastguard team soon established that what had been seen offshore was not a paddle boarder – but the North cardinal buoy.

Whitby coastguard team was called out to reports of a paddleboarder being swept out to sea.

placeholder image — Whitby coastguard team was called out to reports of a paddleboarder being swept out to sea.

Once fully confirmed, all units were stood down.

Speaking on their Facebook page, Whitby Coastguard said: “Not every shout turns out as you expect it to.

"It might not have been a person in the water this time, but it’s exactly the kind of call we’d always want to receive.

"If in doubt, always call.

“If something doesn’t look right, or you’re unsure, it’s always better to let us know.

"It gives us the chance to assess things early and respond quickly if needed.

“As we’ve said before, social media isn’t the right place to check or discuss, every minute counts regardless of false alarm with good intent, or what turns out to be a real threat of harm to life.

"The first informant did the right thing.”