A drowning man turned out to be as a seal, and a major sea rescue stood down.
The early morning alert was raised by a member of the public who dialled 999.
They had spotted something in the sea, which they thought could be a dog owner trying to save their drowning pet.
They also heard noises from the scene.
The coastguard rushed to Black Head in St Austell Bay, Cornwall, at about 9 am on Tuesday (22 Jul).
But to their relief, nobody was drowning, and the commotion was just the local seals, as reported by Need To Know.
A spokesperson for St Austell Coastguard said: “The team was tasked to report of something in the water, possibly a dog, off Black Head.
“As the team began to assemble, our concerns were that the owner could also be in the water or that a member of the public may enter the water to attempt a rescue.
“In the last 10 days, the team has attended three separate traumatic, emotional and physically demanding incidents, and now we might be facing yet another.
“However, after speaking with the initial caller and the assistance of the Mevagissey to Fowey Ferry, it was confirmed that the object was not a dog, and the sounds heard on scene were in fact three local seals.
“This came as light relief to be attending a more normal incident in our beautiful surroundings.
“We would like to thank the Mevagissey to Fowey Ferry and the initial caller for their help with this incident and remind the public that the caller did exactly the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the coastguard.
“Remember, if you are or see anyone in difficulty at sea, on the cliffs, or in mud, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”
Locals took to social media to say they were proud of the team.
Tracie McGall said: “You all do such an amazing job – thank you.”
Denise Towler added: “Such pros – thank goodness it was just squabbling seals.”
And Emma McFadden added: “Sending up some coastie love, proud of you all.”
