'The Oddfellows' sailed into high seas following reports of a vessel in distress.
A rescue mission has been stood down after a report of a sailing vessel in distress off the Norfolk coast.
Sheringham lifeboat was launched when the alert was issued at around 9.50am on Sunday.
It followed a call to the coastguard station from two female holidaymakers at a Beeston caravan park who reported seeing a boat in difficulty.
The RNLI crew were joined in the search by a guard vessel from Sheringham Shoal Windfarm and passing merchant ships.
The search ended after two hours with no sighting of the boat.
Sheringham Coastguard station officer Jerry Woodley said: 'We are treating it as a false alarm with good intent.'
Sheringham Lifeboat Station praised its staff for their response.
A spokesperson said: 'At 09.50hrs at the request of Humber Coastguard the Sheringham Lifeboat was launched into moderate to rough seas to search for a yacht seen by the 1st informant to be in trouble in heavy seas approximately two to three miles off Beeston Caravan Park. The lifeboat completed a search of the area indicated by the 1st informant and the coastguard but nothing was eventually found.
'It is thought that the 1st informant mistook the rig supply safety vessel the 'RACHAEL S', which has two masts and from astern at sea could easily be mistaken it for a large yacht.
'Good service very professionally undertaken in challenging conditions.'
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