A LIFEBOAT was mobilised on Thursday after a fishing boat was reported missing at sea, near east Cleveland.

Humber Coastguard co-ordinated an operation which saw Redcar's Atlantic 75 Lifeboat, Leicester Challenge, launched just after 12.30pm after a local fisherman raised the alarm.

Tony Ellis, watch manager for Humber Coastguard, said: "He reported that a fishing boat, manned by his friend, a relatively inexperienced fisherman, and three other crew had failed to return after going out to sea in the morning."

Redcar Coastwatch lookout confirmed that the 20ft vessel had gone out to sea, but had not returned. A search took place off the Marske coastline.

About an hour later, the fisherman contacted the coastguard to say he had spotted the boat on shore and all was well. A member of the lifeboat crew confirmed that the vessel and its crew were onshore and unaware of the drama that had unfolded on their behalf.

Redcar Lifeboat Station spokesman Dave Cammish said: "It was such an odd set of circumstances and just didn't ring true, but we can't afford not to take every call seriously.

"Everyone acted on what they thought was right and had good intentions. I'm confident that those involved acted on good faith and the alarm was raised out of genuine concern.

"The man who raised the alarm was right at first - the boat was not in - but when he went off to raise the alarm, the boat sneaked in unnoticed."

The crew of the boat were at a loss to understand why they were reported missing.

Mr Cammish said: "We are grateful to the fisherman for noticing the boat had come in as it prevented the search escalating."