KAYAKERS heading to an island off the Somerset coast prompted an emergency response from lifeboat crews.

The Milford Haven Coastguard control paged Burnham-on-Sea RNLI at 10.46am yesterday (Saturday) morning after a report of inflatables drifting out to sea from Brean beach.

Both inshore lifeboats were speedily launched in ideal conditions, and proceeded to the reported area.

A subsequent observation from the Bridgwater pilot boat to Milford control redefined the inflatables as two kayakers possibly on passage between Brean and Steepholm Island.

Subsequently, the crew of Burnham-on-Sea Atlantic 85 Doris Day and Brian were stood down and returned to Burnham-on-Sea for recovery, while the crew of D class lifeboat Burnham Reach, proceeded to intercept the kayakers.

Upon interception, the kayakers confirmed that they were trying to reach Steepholme Island.

The concerned crew issued safety advice and the kayakers turned around , heading back to the beach.

The lifeboat crew kept watch for a while, and once the small craft were out of risk, returned to Burnham-on-Sea for recovery, sanitising and wash-down.

Helmsman Marc Smith said: "They were okay, but potentially in trouble once the tide had turned.

"We issued safety advice and kept a watchful eye as they returned to Brean Beach."