Flares in the Night: Fowey Lifeboats Launch to Investigate Distress Signals

In the early hours of 15th July, both of Fowey’s lifeboats were launched following reports of multiple red distress flares spotted in St Austell Bay. The Falmouth coastguard tasked the lifeboats with investigating the sightings.

Lifeboats Deployed

At 2:45 am, the lifeboats were deployed to conduct a thorough search of the bay. Despite the extensive efforts and the urgency of the situation, nothing was found during the search. The operation concluded at 5:00 am, and by 6:00 am, the boats were ready for service again.

Legal Warning and Safety Reminder

Chris Ogg, Fowey Lifeboat Operations Manager, issued a stern reminder about the legalities and safety concerns associated with flare usage. “We would like to remind people that it is illegal to let flares off in anything other than an emergency,” Chris stated. He also emphasised the dangers of improper disposal, noting, “It is also illegal to dump flares at sea or on land.”

Chris highlighted the importance of proper disposal of expired flares, explaining that outdated flares become unreliable and may fail to operate when needed most.

How To Dispose Of Flares

For those in Cornwall looking to dispose of old flares, Chris recommended Ocean Safety, located at Unit 6, Eastern Wood Road, Langage Business Park, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 5ET. They can be contacted at 01752 341 787 for further assistance.

The incident serves as a critical reminder of the responsibilities and regulations surrounding the use and disposal of flares, aiming to prevent future false alarms and ensure public safety.