RNLI volunteers from Aberystwyth and New Quay launched into the dark after multiple red distress flare sightings were reported.

On November 11 at 8pm the RNLI lifeboats were asked to carry out the search by The UK Coastguard who had received numerous sightings of the flare just off Aberystwyth.

The Aberystwyth Coastguard Rescue Team volunteers were also tasked to carry out a shoreline search.

The Aberystwyth Atlantic 85 class Lifeboat ‘Spirit of Friendship, were quickly on scene and fired a number of white flares to illuminate the area and coastline whilst carrying out a search pattern.

The New Quay all weather Mersey Class lifeboat ‘Frank and Lena Clifford of Stourbridge’, made its way to Aberystwyth where it joined the search further out to sea, carrying out a complementary search pattern.

The two lifeboats were also assisted by the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter based at Caernarfon.

With deteriorating weather conditions and nearly three hours of searching, utilising night vision equipment, radar, infra red and powerful search lights and with nothing found, the decision was made to call off the search as a false alarm with good intent.

New Quay lifeboat operations manager Rodger Couch said: “The crew were pleased we could provide support to Aberystwyth in this search especially new crew member Oliver Edwards who was on his first ‘shout."

Paul Williams, volunteer helmsman from Aberystwyth said: “We would always urge people to call the coastguard if they see a flare or any distress signal out at sea, if people have old flares they don’t want, we would ask them to dispose of them safely.”