Flotilla commander Peter Starick said a crew was dispatched about 9.30am on Saturday morning after an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) was set off.

“We were dispatched just south of Portland but we were unable to locate the beacon,” Mr Starick said.

“I understand there was some involvement from the police air wing as well. On Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning there was some concern the beacon may have been set off on land.”

Mr Starick said the beacon was located and turned off on Monday afternoon.

“I understand it has now been located and it has been switched off. I believe the beacon was faulty.”

The Coast Guard was also called to tow a small vessel with three people on board who were able to call for help from a mobile phone on Saturday afternoon.

They encountered difficulty near Black Nose Point due to an electrical failure.

Mr Starick said the operation took several hours and members of the Coast Guard were again called in to help two people on a small vessel eight nautical miles south of Cape Bridgewater on Sunday.

“That rescue took about six hours out and back – it’s been a busy weekend,” he said.

Mr Starick said the five people onboard the two vessels, who were visiting from Melbourne,  were safe and well.