The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crew rescued a red balloon that was mistaken for a stricken hang glider.

HM Coastguard requested the launch of Newhaven RNLI's inshore lifeboat after reports that a non-motorised gliding aircraft had gone into the sea off Seaford Head on Sunday, May 18.

Four volunteer crew members launched lifeboat D-890 Bill Hall and rushed to the scene. They searched along the shoreline and further out to sea but found no sign of a crash.

While speaking with nearby vessels, an emergency responder spotted a red object approximately 100 metres away.

Footage shows authorities approaching a floating shape, which turns out to be a balloon.

The crew recovered it and reported it back to the HM Coastguard.

Volunteer Will Rowell said: 'This shout was a false alarm with good intent. We always prefer to launch and find everything is safe than risk missing someone in need.'

The RNLI saves lives at sea through its 24-hour search and rescue services around the UK and Ireland. With 238 lifeboat stations and over 240 lifeguard units across the UK and the Channel Islands, its volunteers are dedicated to maritime safety.