A thorough coastal search was instigated yesterday afternoon (Thursday) following reports of a rowing boat and its crew being dashed against the rocks on Caldey Island.

A teenage boy phoned the coastguard to report that he had seen the boat, with people aboard being washed up on the Tenby side of the island.

Caldey, Manorbier and Tenby coastguards scoured the coast and Tenby all weather lifeboat was launched.

Despite rough seas and high winds the lifeboat made it quickly to the island. The all weather boat (ALB) searched the area and the smaller inflatable Y boat was launched to search close to the rocks.

After a thorough search of the area the Y boat was taken back on board and the ALB proceeded to Lydstep to see if any vessels had recently arrived there. Nothing was found at Lydstep and nobody was reported missing from there.

The lifeboat returned to station and the call out was treated as a false alarm with good intent.