Abandoned clothing near a lifeboat station sparked an emergency response.
Coastguards received a report from someone visiting Formby beach on New Year's Day at around 10.50am to say they had found abandoned clothing near the lifeguard station. Southport’s independent lifeboat was asked to take their quads and assist in what they believed to be a search for a potentially missing or vulnerable person.
However, coastguards said they soon found out the clothing had been left in an attempt to encourage a lost dog to return home. HM Coastguard Southport said it was an "unusual conclusion to a tasking".
READ MORE: Man on stag do sexually assaulted receptionist trying to help him
The emergency service issued some urgent advice regarding this type of incident. They said if someone spots anything unusual on the coast to call them.
However, if a person is trying to persuade a lost pet to come home and they have left items on the beach to call the coastguard to tell them they are doing so.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard Southport said: "If you see, hear or find something that is out of place on the coastline, call the Coastguard. We’d rather investigate this type of incident than not be called at all. You may save a life.
"If you plan on trying to persuade a lost pet back home in this way, call the Coastguard (Holyhead *non-emergency* 01407 762051) and advise that something has been left, a clear description of what, and exactly where it is. Also leave a clearly written note explaining why the items have been left for anybody finding the items.
"The Coastguard Rescue Service is a uniformed service and part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. There are approximately 300 teams around the UK coastline."
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Nan, 92, 'asked to die' during 33 hour wait on hospital corridor
Elle Edwards killer 'lay in wait' outside pub 'for an hour' before shooting spree
Lamborghini seized and driver reported for being 'eight years too young'
Paedophile abused girl after grooming her with Dr Pepper and Timberland boots
Bulb customer 'horrified' as smart meter says she used £39,025 of energy in one day
