A major Lake District search was sparked after incorrect information was given to emergency services.
Several rescue teams and a helicopter were scrambled last night, Wednesday August 14, after reports that there was a person in difficulty in Windermere in the Bowness area.
However, it was the wrong Bowness.
Furness Coastguard said: “Lake warden and lake rangers launched four rescue boats and started a line search of the lake whilst the Coastguard helicopter was scrambled to assist in the search.
“Our colleagues from Arnside Coastguard were called to bring their jet ski, also called were Ulverston Inshore Rescue.
“The Furness station officer was first to arrive at the lake wardens’ office. He was informed by Holyhead Coastguard that the incident was in Scotland.
“It appears that a person was witnessed in difficulty and the witness had phoned her husband in Somerset.
“He then phoned the Avon and Somerset Police and they contacted the Coastguard.
“The confusion was that there is more than one Bowness.
“This is an example of where if possible, call any required emergency service directly from a mobile phone. The location of the call can be triangulated.
“Download What3Words app and this will give you an exact location.”
Furness Coastguard has also reminded people that if they are in danger on the coast or in Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater or Derwentwater, they should dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.
