AN overturned kayak sparked a search and rescue operation,

The kayak was discovered by members of the public drifting offshore near Anstys Cove on Tuesday.

On discovering the kayak with personal effects still onboard concerned beach goers called 999 to report their findings to the Coastguard.

Solent Coastguard asked Teignmouth Lifeboat crew at 10:33am to locate the unmanned vessel and to start a search of the area looking for a possible person in the water.

Volunteers from Teignmouth RNLI launched The Two Annes, Atlantic 85 lifeboat and headed to the location where they were joined by volunteers from RNLI Torbay and their Severn Class Lifeboat.

Both crews started an extensive search of the area and were joined by the St Athan Coastguard Helicopter which began a search from above.

After a thorough search of the area all units were stood down as the suspected casualty was found safe ashore further along the coast in Dawlish.

The owner of the kayak had overturned the day previous and had self-recovered by swimming to the shore, however their kayak remained at sea.

Not thinking that the unmanned vessel would spark such a rescue operation the owner of the kayak did not inform anyone it was missing.

An RNLI spokesperson said: ‘If you find an unmanned vessel at sea or are in an emergency near the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘Likewise, you can report your missing kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or other water-based craft to the Coastguard.

‘Having your name and contact details visible on the craft is also a good idea, either using marker pen or using a waterproof sticker.’