Boat safety plea from the RNLI in Jersey

People on boats off Jersey have been urged to use safety equipment properly by the RNLI.

Two lifeboats were launched after a flare was released, but no-one appeared to be in distress, the charity said.

The incident happened on Saturday evening at about 21:00 BST when both of the St Helier's lifeboats were launched.

After an extensive search by a volunteer crew nothing was found, the RNLI said.

A charity spokesperson said: "The red flare is a distress signal for trouble at sea at night.

"The RNLI urges people to use safety equipment appropriately."