Radio Caroline has been found in breach of broadcasting rules after it mistakenly announced the death of King Charles III.
The station aired three pre-recorded announcements falsely revealing the King had died during the Barry Marsh Show on 19th May.
The messages claimed the news media had confirmed the death, and were followed by the national anthem and 16 minutes of silence on DAB+, while AM listeners heard back-up music.
A correction and apology was broadcast 30 minutes later.
The ruling by media watchdog Ofcom noted that the member of staff who accidentally played the files realised what they had done, panicked and left the premises.
Ofcom said the incident breached Rule 5.1, which requires news to be reported with due accuracy, and Rule 5.2, which says significant mistakes must be corrected quickly.
It described the false announcement as a very significant inaccuracy on a matter of very high public interest.
Meanwhile, Radio Caroline said the mistake happened after a member of staff carrying out maintenance accessed pre‑recorded obituary files intended for use in the event of the King’s death as the presenter did not realise they were off air because, as is common practice, they were streaming the programme remotely.