Hoax call led to lengthy coastguard and lifeboat search effort

POLICE believe a hoax call lead to a four hour search and rescue effort involving the Lerwick lifeboat, the Sumburgh coastguard helicopter and three rescue teams today (Wednesday).

The search and rescue helicopter was called to a report of a possibly sinking small boat off the west coast of Shetland at around 2.15pm this afternoon, with the Lerwick lifeboat following shortly after.

Coastguard rescue crews from Lerwick, Sumburgh and Hillswick also attended the scene.

The search was called off around four hours later, at 6.18pm, with no vessel or casualties found.

However, the coastguard said they “did manage to find a lifejacket” in the water – which they think was “placed in the water deliberately”.

Police chief inspector Chris Sewell confirmed to Shetland News on Wednesday night that information “now suggests that this was a hoax call”.

“Enquiries into the origin of the report are ongoing, and we would urge anyone with information to come forward,” he said.

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Coastguard crews had been searching for a “small skiff” type vessel, which was thought to have been taking on water.

The search and rescue helicopter searched the coastline near to St Ninian’s Isle.

However the lengthy search was eventually called off, with the coastguard helicopter and Lerwick lifeboat returning four hours later.