Falmouth RNLI said it was better to be safe than sorry after both lifeboats were called to assist a Falmouth working boat towing another vessel.

The inshore lifeboat and the all weather boat were both called at 12.15pm following a report, believed to be from an observer on Pendennis point, of a small boat which was having difficulties with a barge in the Carrick Roads.

After some initial confusion, it was discovered that a Falmouth working boat was towing another hull, and the inshore lifeboat was used to assist while the all weather lifeboat was stood down.

Mark Pollard, coxswain of the all weather lifeboat, said: "From the initial report the coastguard took it to be something commercial that was in trouble, so both boats were launched.

"It's better to be safe than sorry, it's the proper reaction to the first report, and the boats can always be stood down."