A RESCUE helicopter was called out yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon after reports of a person in difficulty off the coast of Dunbar.

The town's lifeboats were tasked by UK Coastguard shortly after 12.15pm following the report of someone in trouble in the water close to Dunbar Battery.

A spokesman for the RNLI said: "Shortly after launching the crew of Dunbar’s Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) sighted and made contact with three divers who were located within the search area.

"Unfortunately, the concerned member of the public who originally called the Coastguard was no longer in the area but Coastguard teams were able to make contact shore side and it was deemed that it was indeed the divers that the first responder had seen in the water.

"At this time a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter had arrived on scene and was performing a sweep of the area.

"The helicopter was able to confirm that no other casualties could be seen in the area."

However, it was not just the divers that the RNLI crew was able to spot.

As the helicopter performed its sweep, the all-weather lifeboat crew (ALB) was joined by a pod of dolphins who appeared keen to assist in the search.

The spokesman added: “Our thanks go to the discerning member of the public who showed no hesitation in calling for help when they saw someone in difficulty.

"On this occasion, it was a false alarm with good intent but we are offered a firm reminder of the inherent dangers of the sea.”