Lifeboat and a Coastguard rescue helicopter called to aid balloons on loch

A lifeboat and a Coastguard rescue helicopter were launched to reports of a paraglider in difficulty in an Argyll sea loch – only to find that the ‘pilot’ was in fact a bunch of helium balloons.

Oban Lifeboat was launched at 7pm on Tuesday to Loch Creran.

A local fish farm vessel also offered their assistance.

A spokesperson for Oban Lifeboat said: “Soon after, it was established that the paraglider in difficulty was in fact a group of helium balloons floating on the surface, and the report a false alarm with good intent.”