The public is being asked to help identify the caller

Liverpool Coastguard said a man called on Sunday claiming a speedboat with three people on board was taking in water near Skinburness Point.

It led to a major operation involving coastguard, RNLI lifeboats and an RAF helicopter but nothing was found.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it is releasing the recording to try to find the person responsible.

The recording has the caller issuing a mayday from the 'Boy David'.

Asked by the coastguard control centre where he is, the caller says: "Boy David here, Boy David here, approximately two miles north of Skinburness Point".

Those who risk their own safety to rescue others should not be put at needless risk in responding to bogus distress calls Sue Todd, Liverpool Coastguard

He is then asked what the problem is and replies: "The nature of my problem, engine has failed, I repeat my engine has failed and I am slowly taking on water."

He then said there were three people on board all wearing lifejackets.

Liverpool Coastguard rescue co-ordination manager Sue Todd said: "We are appealing to the public to help both the police and ourselves identify this very dangerous prankster.

"There was a huge search effort by a considerable number of very dedicated people, many of them volunteers, to help try and locate this phantom speedboat and its occupants on Sunday afternoon.

"The important thing is that this hoax caller is found. Hoax calls can, and in this case did, tie up a valuable maritime search and rescue resource which might have been required elsewhere in a real lifesaving incident.

"Those who risk their own safety to rescue others should not be put at needless risk in responding to bogus distress calls."