A HOAX caller caused the Beaumaris lifeboat crew to scramble during the freezing cold weather of Thursday

In the early hours of Thursday morning, a report came in that a 60-year-old male had fallen between two boats near Bangor pier.

Emergency services including the Bangor Coastguard Rescue team, Welsh Ambulance service and north Wales Police were tasked to the incident.

According to John Pulford, the crews' spokesperson "Beaumaris RNLI volunteers received a page at 1.59am, in the early hours of Thursday morning.

"Due to the low temperature, they had to cope with extremely icy conditions to even reach the boat house."

As the lifeboat was being prepared to launch a request was then received from the coastguard to wait onshore, as the informant had changed the location of the incident from Bangor pier to Penrhyn Dock.

Mr Pulford explained: "This with other inconsistencies in his story gave them sufficient reason to suspect that this may be a hoax call.

"The volunteers waited at Beaumaris until 2.50am when it was finally confirmed that this was in fact a hoax."

The original call was identified as coming from far inland, and not in view of the Menai Strait.

Mr Pulford added: "Fortunately, as the lifeboat had not launched no refuelling was required and the volunteers could return to their beds for a few hours before getting up for their paid work later that morning."

The RNLI is currently looking for volunteers to support the team at Beaumaris.

Lifeboat boat crew members, shore crew, launch vehicle drivers, launching authorities as well as shop volunteers are all required.

Anyone interested should contact: Beaumaris RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat press officer John Pulford on: 07824 764474

The Beaumaris Lifeboat Open Day, 2019 will be held from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, July 20.

There will be stalls and subject to operational requirements a lifeboat display.