A rescue mission was launched after a report of a “person-shaped” object in the water
In a dramatic yet ultimately lighthearted rescue operation, a British maritime rescue team rushed to Cove Café in Cleveleys, Lancashire, after a witness reported spotting what appeared to be a person in distress floating in the water. However, upon arrival, HM Coastguard Fleetwood discovered the supposed victim was, in fact, a training dummy used in maritime exercises.
Witness alerts coastguard to suspicious object
The incident unfolded after a vigilant bystander noticed a “person-shaped” object drifting in the surf and promptly contacted the coast guard. Sharing details of the operation on social media, HM Coastguard Fleetwood noted that while the object looked human from a distance, closer inspection of the witness’s video revealed it was a dummy commonly employed in man-overboard drills by maritime organizations.
Rescue operation was conducted despite the object’s identity
Despite realizing the object was a dummy, the officer in charge decided to proceed with a tethered rescue. The dummy, located in just a couple of feet of surf, was retrieved to prevent further confusion or concern as it drifted up the shoreline.
The coastguard praises the witness
HM Coastguard Fleetwood expressed gratitude to the individual who raised the alarm, emphasizing the importance of reporting any potential emergencies.
“Many thanks to the first informant who did absolutely the right thing in calling for us,” the coastguard said in a statement. “From a distance, this made for a very concerning sight in the water.”
A reminder of public vigilance
While the incident turned out to be a false alarm, it highlighted the public’s role in reporting potential emergencies and underscored the dedication of rescue teams to treat every report with urgency.
The event serves as a lighthearted reminder of the unpredictable nature of rescue operations, with even training equipment sometimes finding its way into real-life scenarios.
