Two men who left personal belongings in an inflatable dinghy floating in the river Exe sparked a search by the coastguard and RNLI yesterday.
Both the Exmouth lifeboats were called out to look for a possible missing person in the river between Starcross yacht club and Cockwood.
The operation was called off two hours later when the men on board a sailing boat identified the dinghy as their tender.
The RNLI say they'd rather be called out on a false alarm than miss a potential rescue - but have advised the dinghy's owner to mark it clearly to avoid a repeat situation.
Crowdfunder launched for jailed Westcountry councillor
Two Exeter shops hit with closure orders
Lucky Devon dog saved after complex rescue
Plymouth up recycling with food caddies
Somerset's Lando Norris wins F1 world title
City secure FA Cup Third round place
