Though the RNLI did not identify the elusive man, sources say that his cries of “Rudolph! Prancer!” could be heard across the entire channel.

In a statement summing up the mysterious rescue, RNLI said: “Jersey Coastguard received a strange call from a man dressed in red who reported he was stranded on a sandbank near Les Minquiers. 

“He had fallen out of his sleigh during a routine test flight. Both RNLI St. Helier Lifeboats were launched to assist the intriguing gentleman who was recovered safe and well.”

VIDEO: A victim of a sleigh accident is helped to safety by the RNLI.

After feeding the festive figure some emergency mince pies and tracking down his reindeer using their hi-tech gear, he was given a ride on the RNLI’s boats before returning to his sleigh.

A video of the incident from the RNLI also confirmed that as a result, all involved in the rescue would be on the good list this Christmas.

Express has contacted the North Pole for comment.