Burnham RNLI volunteers searched the River Crouch following reports of a distress flare being fired yesterday (Wednesday, 16 February).

The volunteer crew was called at 7.36pm to reports of a red flare sighting around the Fambridge moorings, and launched one of the fastest lifeboats in the RNLI fleet in response.

A spokesperson for Burnham RNLI said: "The Atlantic 85 was immediately launched and proceeded in difficult conditions to the area of the flare sighting.

"A search of the area was made but nothing was found.

"The volunteers from Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI were stood down and returned to station at approximately 9.15pm, where the Atlantic 85 was made ready for the next service."

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