LIFEBOAT volunteers were called out after a report of a fishing boat on fire off the East Lothian coast.

The Dunbar crew was alerted yesterday (Thursday) following a call from a concerned member of the public at about 3.30pm.

Volunteers launched the all-weather lifeboat from Torness 25 minutes later.

They reached the location of where the boat was believed to have last been seen shortly after 4pm but it transpired the vessel was further out to sea.

With assistance from other fishing boats in the area and Dunbar Coastguard on shore, the crew located the 16-metre trawler about five miles off shore.

It was found that the boat had suffered some engine trouble, causing it to smoke considerably but the crew had got the situation under control and were able to carry on to Fife for further inspection.

Gary Fairbairn, Dunbar coxswain, said: “This was a false alarm with good intent.

“A member of public had seen smoke coming from the boat and did the right thing by calling the coastguard.

“We were happy to make sure the boat was not in need of assistance.’

If you see anything suspicious on the water call 999 and ask for the coastguard.