A search and rescue operation was mounted in the Shannon Estuary this evening amid fears that a yacht had capsized.
The Kilrush RNLI lifeboat was alerted shortly before 7.00pm while the Shannon based Irish Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter was also tasked.
A member of the public had reported seeing a small yacht earlier off the Kerry coast near Ballylongford and believed it was on its side.
At the time the boat was reported to be between Scattery Island on the Clare side of the Shannon Estuary and Carrig Island in Kerry.
The extensive search was concentrated along the south shore of the estuary between Tarbert and Beale Point and the mouth of the estuary.
Members of the Ballybunnion unit of the Irish Coast Guard carried out a search of the shoreline however nothing was found.
The search operation was mounted and coordinated by staff at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue sub centre on Valentia Island in Kerry.
The incident is being treated as a false alarm with good intent and search teams were stood down about 8.00pm.