Flare sightings lead to 'comprehensive search'

A coastguard has issued a warning after a "significant search and rescue response" was initiated due to multiple reports of a red distress flare.

Guernsey Coastguard said at approximately 21:25 BST on Sunday it received multiple flare sightings off the west coast of Guernsey, between Grand Havre and Port Soif.

It said the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre (JESCC) also received numerous calls from the public and an additional sighting was reported by Air Traffic Control.

Simon Granger, search mission coordinator, said they wanted to remind people red flares should only ever be used to indicate that "immediate assistance is required in an emergency".

Guernsey Coastguard said in response to calls from the public the Coastguard Duty Officer, who arrived at around 21:40 and spoke to witnesses, and Guernsey Police officers were deployed to the area.

Additionally, the coastguard requested the launch of the Channel Islands Air Search aircraft to assist in locating any vessel or person potentially in distress, it said.

It added boats in the area were contacted over radio to report any further sightings or information to the coastguard.

The coastguard said they established it was a parachute flare.

It added a "comprehensive search" was conducted of the shoreline from Rousse to Grande Rocques, as well as the adjacent coastal waters.

No more flare sightings were received and no distress calls were made and after a "thorough land and aerial search" efforts were called off at 23:20 with no people or boats found needing urgent help.

Granger said: "This incident demonstrates the effectiveness of distress flares as an emergency signalling device."

He said numerous members of the public reported it and "as a result, a significant search and rescue response was initiated".

He added: "However, it appears that on this occasion the flare may have been used for purposes other than a genuine emergency.

"While this may have been intended as harmless entertainment, the sighting resulted in a prolonged and resource-intensive search involving multiple emergency service assets and volunteers.

"They should never be used recreationally or for testing purposes outside of organised courses where appropriate notifications are in place," he added.

Granger asked anyone who witnessed people using flares irresponsibly to contact Guernsey Coastguard or the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre.

"Even life-expired flares can cause serious injury and present a significant hazard to those nearby," he said.

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