Blow-up doll sparks emergency rescue alert off UK coast

Lifeboats searched for more than 90 minutes following an emergency call reporting a person struggling in the water - only to find it was an inflatable doll.

Lifeboat volunteers, a Coastguard rescue team and rescue helicopter all responded to the call at 6.45pm on Monday.

A rock-angler had phoned to report a person in the water just to the north of Newquay Harbour in Cornwall.

Both inshore lifeboats from Newquay spent more than 90 minutes searching in the dark, with a moderate south-westerly breeze and the tide going out.

The doll was discovered in the water by the Coastguard rescue helicopter and recovered from the middle of Newquay Bay by the volunteers.

Gareth Horner, lifeboat operations manager, said the angler had genuine concerns after seeing the clothed inflatable figure.

"The caller gave accurate information which led to a successful search and a positive outcome," he said.