Feeling so deflated

A LARGE balloon was removed from the sea after fears it could be a hazard to boats.

After a report from a member of the public, the Coastguard asked Seahouses RNLI and Seahouses Coastguard Rescue Team to identify a white object in the sea off Stagg Rocks at Bamburgh.

The team tried to identify what is was by using binoculars, after worries it could be a capsized yacht.

The object could be seen to be about a mile offshore but it wasn’t until the lifeboat got near the crew realised it was a promotional balloon.

The blue and white balloon, bearing the words “TEAM CYCLE” was deemed a hazard and was picked up by the rescue team.

Because of its size, the balloon had to be deflated before it could be pulled out of the water.

The Coastguard now want to find the promoter and owner of the balloon and offer safety advice for the future.

The lifeboat returned to the shore with the balloon just before 4pm.