An unexplained signal from an emergency radio beacon triggered a search by Lowestoft RNLI lifeboat and a helicopter today (Tuesday, October 25).
Humber Coastguard Operations Centre called the volunteer lifeboat crew at 11.20am when a signal was picked up from an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
The signal came from an unregistered source 20 miles off Southwold and Lowestoft Lifeboat Patsy Knight and a Coastguard helicopter from Lydd in Kent were sent to investigate
Lowestoft Lifeboat Coxswain John Fox said: 'It took us three quarters of an hour to reach the area.
'There was no obvious vessel or person in need of help when we arrived so we started an 'expanding square' search pattern – widening the search area as we went. After looking for two hours and finding nothing – we were stood down and returned to Lowestoft.
'It is likely that a satellite picked up the signal as it passed over and Coastguard noted the position. Although the signal later disappeared it was prudent to make a thorough search although in this case it turned out to be a false alarm.'
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