A hoax call from a man contemplating suicide in the sea sent lifeboat crews on a frantic search at the weekend.

The Whitstable lifeboat was launched just before 11pm on Sunday night after receiving the call from a man believed to be in the Seasalter area.

The coastguard, police and an RAF Sea King helicopter from Suffolk were also called to help search the shoreline and beaches.

But the hunt was called off after officers traced the man’s mobile phone signal and found him safe and well in a caravan at Seasalter.

Police spoke to the 31-year-old but no further action was taken.

Lifeboat helmsman Dave Parry said 'This man’s actions resulted in a major search operation by various emergency services.

“It resulted in a disturbed night for all of the lifeboat station’s volunteers who turned out to launch, crew and operate the station for two hours during the incident and subsequent recovery and servicing of the lifeboat.”

The crews had attended a genuine call the day before, when a windsurfer had been seen waving for help in Whitstable harbour.

Another windsurfer raised the alarm at 1pm but when the lifeboat arrived he had disappeared from view.

A search was conducted towards Tankerton and along the beaches.

It was later reported the windsurfer had managed to reach the shore.