An RNLI lifeboat and a coastguard search and rescue helicopter launched this morning after reports were received of an activated distress beacon.
The Barra lifeboat and Rescue 948 helicopter, based in Stornoway, responded to reports of the activated distress beacon which was thought to be located approximately 40 miles to the south, south west of Castlebay.
Stornoway Coastguard Operations Centre was informed of the incident around 4.59am.
The lifeboat crew had departed Castlebay to investigate the incident, however, were stood down en route after the beacon was discovered in Michigan, USA – nearly 2000 miles away.
Once activated distress beacons alert satellites of their distance, however, give off two points, described by a coastguard spokesman as an A and a B point. Both locations are the same distance from the satellite and require investigation in order to deliver aid where it is required.
The spokesman said the distress signal was established by authorities in the United States to have been activated near Michigan; therefore, both Barra lifeboat and the Stornoway based helicopter, which had not taken off, were stood down.
The incident concluded shortly after 6.15am.
