Whitehaven Coastguard responded to a call from the public about a yacht flashing lights.

On Friday, September 13 afternoon, after a 999 call was received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Belfast Coastguard, reporting concerns for a vessel off Parton.

The information reported seeing a yacht with what appeared to be a light repeatedly flashing to shore, and the informer thought they may be in need of assistance and trying to attract attention.

Whitehaven team members who were nearby were swiftly on scene and able to speak with the informant, whilst other members of the team met with the lock keeper at Whitehaven Marina.

Contact was made with the skipper of the yacht in question and they confirmed everything was ok.

It was believed the lights seen were the sun reflecting off parts of the vessel.

A spokesperson for Whitehaven Coastguard said: “Our thanks to the informant for doing the right thing and raising their concerns immediately on 999 to the coastguard.

“This ensured we were swiftly able to do the necessary checks and confirm that on this occasion, thankfully no one was in need of assistance.”

The coastguard can be raised by calling 999 and asking for the coastguard.