THE apparent theft of a tender from Minehead Harbour a few days before Christmas sparked a full-scale emergency alert shortly after midnight.

Minehead RNLI’s two lifeboats were launched and Coastguards from Minehead and Watchet called out after concern was reported for a man struggling to row out of the harbour.

A Coastguard spokesperson said: “Having disappeared into the darkness outside the illuminated harbour, the witnesses dialled 999 and requested the Coastguard.”

A lifeboat crew searching near Minehead Harbour for a man reported to be in difficulty rowing a small boat after midnight. PHOTO: Watchet Coastguards.
A lifeboat crew searching near Minehead Harbour for a man reported to be in difficulty rowing a small boat after midnight. PHOTO: Watchet Coastguards. ( )

A search plan was co-ordinated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency maritime rescue co-ordination centre in Milford Haven, using its tidal prediction software.

The Coastguards and lifeboat crews also carried out a shore-based search, including checking all boats in the harbour and on the shore for signs of use or having come ashore, but nothing was found.

An RNLI spokesperson said: “It seems that this may have been a stolen tender, however no persons were located.

“Any information would be gratefully received.”