The HM Lowestoft and Southwold coastguard rescue teams were called out twice in quick succession yesterday (Tuesday).

It now means that the teams have been called out 60 times this year – more than the total for the whole of last year.

The first call came at 12.44pm to reports that a man in a mobility scooter had suffered a head injury – after falling from the promenade at Southwold beach.

A spokesman for the coastguard said: 'On arrival at the scene the casualty was located and it was found that he has been reversing the scooter, but come too close to the edge and went over backwards.

'With the assistance of the RNLI Lifeguards East of England and the East of England Ambulance Service the team helped to conduct an evac from the beach into the awaiting ambulance.'

Six coastguard officers attended.

A short time later, at 1.35pm on the same day (Tuesday, July 26), the Lowestoft and Southwold teams were called to reports that a nine metre sailing yacht was overdue on its trip from Holland.

The spokesman added: 'The team conducted a search in both Southwold and Lowestoft harbours – however nothing was found.

'Humber Coastguard Operations Centre (CGOC) will be doing more checks and the team were stood down.'