AN INFLATABLE duck was mistaken for a missing person in the water. 

A large emergency response was launched after reports of a missing person in the water south of the Needles Café in Milford on Sea on the evening of April 27.

The Solent Coastguard deployed a helicopter and two lifeboats from separate stations attended.  

After a conducted search for the person, a yellow inflatable duck, tree branches, and fishing pots were found floating in the water.

All crews stood down and headed back to their stations.

A spokesperson for RNLI Lymington said: “A witness called 999, reporting a person in the water wearing black and yellow clothing.

“The lifeboat launched in 9 minutes and travelled at speed out of the Lymington River.  Given the nature of the potential rescue, the Solent Coastguard also tasked the helicopter Rescue 175 to support the search.

“Mudeford also launched to help with the search as the tide was ebbing towards the west.

“Lymington lifeboat arrived on scene at 5.20pm and conducted a parallel search along with Rescue 175 and Mudeford RNLI.

“After an hour searching all assets were stood down. 

“The crew came across tree branches, fishing pots, and a yellow inflatable duck, which was brought back to the station.”

The helm Greg said: “The person who called 999 did absolutely the right thing, in this instance, it was a false alarm with good intent.”