PARTY GOERS LEAD TO FALSE DISTRESS ALERT
Stornoway Coastguard received the
first of numerous 999 calls at 9.18 pm this evening reporting up to twelve red
distress flares seen in the Sound of Barra between the Islands of South Uist
and Barra. Coastguard rescue teams from Barra and Lochboisdale were sent to
investigate and the Coastguard rescue helicopter from Stornoway was sent to the
vicinity to search for people or vessels in distress.
An urgency broadcast was made to
seek assistance from vessels in the area and resulted in the Fishing Vessel
Glenravel also proceeding to the scene.
After further enquiries and
investigation, it was discovered that the flares had been set off by revellers
at a beach party at Eolaigearraidh, near Barra Airport.
Martin Collins, Stornoway
Coastguard Watch Manager, said “This was an extremely irresponsible action as
it has resulted in several rescue units being called out for no good reason.
Not only that but while assigned to search for the source of these flares, the
rescue units were not available for anyone who may have genuinely needed their
help. It is also prohibited under the Merchant Shipping Act to set off red distress
flares if you are not in difficulty and this incident has been reported to the
Police.
The public should ensure that all
marine flares are disposed of correctly and you can contact your local Coastguard
station for information about flare disposal. Under no circumstances should
marine flares be disposed of in a manner such as this.”