A RNLI lifeboat crew were left feeling a bit orange faced after a callout to a possible kayaker in trouble turned out to be a floating traffic cone.

Port Isaac RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew responded to reports from National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) at Boscastle regarding a potential emergency situation off the coast on Sunday.

The NCI alerted Port Isaac RNLI to sightings of what appeared to be a kayak paddle and an orange object, possibly a flotation device, approximately a mile offshore between Meachards Rock and Beenie Sisters.

"With the guidance of the NCI team, the lifeboat crew quickly arrived on the scene to investigate," said a report on Facebook.

"Upon reaching the reported location, the items in question were safely collected by the RNLI crew. To their surprise, the orange object was identified as a traffic cone, highlighting the challenges of identifying objects at sea." 

Despite the unusual find the crew still carried out a thorough search of the shoreline was conducted in collaboration with the Boscastle Coastguard Team to make sure no one was actually in trouble.

Fortunately, it was confirmed that there were no-one stranded or in need of assistance.

Due to adverse weather conditions including high winds and rough sea, a cautious return to the station was undertaken by the RNLI crew.

"We are immensely proud of the swift response and professionalism demonstrated by our volunteers in this operation," said Kevin Dingle, Lifeboat Operations Manager of Port Isaac RNLI. "Although this turned out to be a false alarm with good intent, it underscores the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared for any eventuality on the water."