A RESCUE operation launched after reports that a parachutist had landed in the sea was stood down when the victim turned out to be a Spiderman balloon.
A rescue helicopter, two inshore lifeboats and Coastguard search teams were scrambled shortly after 3.30pm on Sunday when a member of the public reported a parachute coming down in the sea off Ryhope Dene, near Sunderland.
Officers from Sunderland and Seaham Coastguard used binoculars to identify the object floating some distance out to sea was, in fact a balloon depicting the Marvel superhero.
A Coastguard spokesman said: “Using binoculars we identified the object as a Spiderman balloon.
“The balloon was recovered by the lifeboat to prevent any further callouts”.
The spokesman added: “The incident was a false alarm with good intent and the person did the right thing to call us to confirm no one was in danger”.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here