Seaford, England – A red balloon caused a full emergency response after it was mistaken for a crashed hang glider.

On Sunday, May 18, HM Coastguard called for the launch of Newhaven RNLI’s inshore lifeboat. A report said a red hang glider had gone into the sea off Seaford Head.

Four volunteer crew members launched lifeboat D-890 Bill Hall and rushed to the scene.

They searched along the shoreline and farther out to sea but found no sign of a crash.

While speaking with nearby vessels, a crew member spotted a red object about 100 meters away.

It turned out to be a red balloon.

The crew recovered it and reported back to HM Coastguard. The lifeboat was then stood down.

“This shout was a false alarm with good intent,” said volunteer Will Rowell. “We always prefer to launch and find everything is safe than risk missing someone in need.”

The RNLI says 97% of its lifesavers are volunteers.

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