The RNLI was called to respond after a large drone crashed into the sea off the coast of Co Wicklow this afternoon.
Emergency services were dispatched after receiving an initial report that a light aircraft had gotten into difficulty about a mile from Newcastle beach.
Two Wicklow RNLI boats were dispatched, and as they got close to the search area more information was received from the Coast Guard clarifying that the aircraft was a large unmanned drone.
A photo shows the crew inspecting the object in the water.
A spokesperson for the RNLI said it was towed back to shore and handed over to its owner.
Speaking after the callout, Tommy Dover, Lifeboat Press Officer said: "This was a very quick response by our volunteer crew this afternoon to what could have been a potentially serious incident.
"If you find yourself in an emergency situation or spot someone else in trouble, you should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
