Hunstanton RNLI launches Spirit of West Norfolk after emergency beacon sounds

A lifeboat was launched to carry out a sea search after an emergency personal locator beacon (PLB) was triggered.

The crew at Hunstanton RNLI was paged just before 5.45pm last Tuesday after the device, which alerts emergency services to a person in danger at sea, was set off.

They launched the fast inshore lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk, which carried out a search between the lighthouse and South Beach.

The operation was called off at around 6.30pm, after it emerged the beacon had been activated while being set up by its owner.

Sixteen volunteers took part in the ‘shout’.

Mike Gould, lifeboat operations manager, said: “Although this was set off in error we applaud and recommend all those who go to sea to wear a PLB.

“It emits a signal to alert the coastguard and we can use technology on our craft to locate the beacon rapidly.”