The RNLI made a blunder after reporting a ‘mysterious object’ at sea – which turns out to be a robot boat.
An unidentified item was spotted floating offshore prompting an investigation.
The crew rushed to the scene on their speedboat where they realised their mistake.
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Upon reaching the floating object, members realised that it in fact was a robot powered boat – scheduled to be at sea.
It turned out to be an unmanned autonomous survey vessel from XOCEAN.
These high-tech boats carry out important offshore surveys.
They are designed so that they require no crew members on board – often leading to reports of unknown objects spotted at sea.
The blunder was made by RNLI Lifeguards North West, who called out the Southport Offshore Rescue Trust to investigate.
The report stated the item was floating off Formby Point, with crew finding the boat near the River Mersey above Taylor’s Bank.
The call out was made mid day on Wednesday (27 Aug) as reported by What’s The Jam.
A spokesperson for Southport Offshore Rescue Trust said: “Southport Lifeboat was called to investigate a sighting by RNLI Lifeguards North West of a mysterious object in the water off Formby Point.
“The crew proceeded to the area and, with guidance from lifeguards on the shore, located the object near the River Mersey above Taylor’s Bank.
“It was identified as an unmanned autonomous survey vessel from XOCEAN.
“With the situation assessed and no further action required, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.”
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