Newquay's RNLI lifeboat volunteers were called from their homes at amid thunder and lightning on Thursday night following a report of a capsized kayak in the Gannel estuary.
The charity’s volunteers left just after 9pm and searched the area for anybody in difficulties and brought the unmanned kayak ashore just after 10pm.
An RNLI spokesperson said: "Newquay’s RNLI Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched from the harbour by the station’s shore-crew volunteers around 45 minutes before high-tide.
"Helmsman Andrew Trebilcock and three other RNLI volunteers responded in the charity’s inshore lifeboat after the kayak had been reported capsized on the Crantock side of the Gannel estuary, opposite the Tregunnel Saltings car park.
"In a gentle east-south-easterly breeze with thunder and lightning ongoing throughout, the RNLI crew searched the area for anybody in difficulties along with colleagues from Newquay Coastguard Rescue Team. On investigation, there was no evidence of recent use and the unmanned kayak appeared to have been washed off the shore by the rising tide."
Once satisfied that no-one was missing, Falmouth Coastguard thanked the rescue teams and the kayak was brought ashore just after 10pm.
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