Volunteer crew from the Largs RNLI launched on a search and rescue mission after multiple reports of a flare between Inellan and Wemyss Bay over the River Clyde.
After making a search for possible craft and persons, the Coastguard advised the flare was more likely to have been from land and decided to stand the lifeboat down.
Largs lifeboat returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.
Largs Lifeboat Operations Manager John Griffiths said: “Any misuse of flares could divert search and rescue assets away from a legitimate emergency.
“If you see a red flare along the coast, or at sea, you should always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
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