COASTGUARDS were called to search for a dinghy in trouble on the water.

A radio call from the owner of a motor yacht was received by Thames Coastguard on Monday just after 6.30pm.

He stated he had heard a radio message from a Dutch yacht reporting a small dinghy in trouble at the entrance to Bradwell Creek.

A spokesman for Bradwell Coastguard said neither the motor yacht or coastguard rescue centre were able to contact the Dutch vessel for further information so Bradwell Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to search the area.

He said: “Although coastguards found several boats aground in the creek waiting for the incoming tide, none indicated they were in distress and after a search by the incoming Bradwell charter angling boat, Cacheflow, nothing untoward was found.”

The search was called off and the incident was classed as a false alarm with good intent.