A RESCUE operation was launched in Suffolk last night after five drunk youths took boats out on the river.Several agencies in the county including Suffolk Police, the force's helicopter, a search and rescue crew from Wattisham and lifeboats were involved in the operation in Lowestoft, which started at about 10pm.

A RESCUE operation was launched in Suffolk last night after five drunk youths took boats out on the river.

Several agencies in the county including Suffolk Police, the force's helicopter, a search and rescue crew from Wattisham and lifeboats were involved in the operation in Lowestoft, which started at about 10pm.

Five youngsters took canoes from Nicholas Everitt Park and proceeded to float down Oulton Broad.

Yarmouth Coastguard alerted Lowestoft and Southwold Rescue Teams and the South Broads RNLI was also in attendance.

A spokesman for Yarmouth Coastguard said: 'It appears the five youths were intoxicated. There were high winds and it was dark so taking a boat on a river at that time would not be something we would recommend.'

Suffolk Police said the youths were found safe and well and the incident came to a close at 11.30pm. No arrests were made.