Second distress signal triggers new lifeboat search off Scottish Borders coast

RNLI Lifeboat Credit: PA

An RNLI lifeboat was launched at 05:30am by the UK Coastguard this morning after a distress alert from an unregistered Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).

A search was carried out on Monday after the same signal was heard, but so far nothing has been found.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency are asking anyone who has EPIRB in the local area to check it, even if it's in storage.

They believe the device may have been activated accidentally.

The RNLI have asked people to make sure they dispose of emergency beacons in a 'safe and responsible manner'.

They should either be returned to the manufacturer or disposed of according to instructions given with the device.