A major search was launched after a red distress flare was spotted off the coast of West Cumbria.
The large scale land, air and sea search was launched yesterday, Sunday April 27, after two independent 999 calls were received by the Coastguard reporting a red distress flare sighted over the area of Saltom Bay, Whitehaven at around 8.30pm.
Whitehaven and Maryport Coastguard rescue teams, Workington RNLI and St Bees RNLI, plus the Coastguard helicopter responded.
Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team said: “An urgency broadcast was transmitted to alert vessels in the area and ask that they keep a sharp lookout for any further flares. This was acknowledged by vessels further out at sea.
“Coastguard rescue teams searched the length of the clifftops between Whitehaven and St Bees, along with a shoreline search within Saltom Bay.
“A helicopter landing site was identified in case it should be needed as the search progressed.
“Swiftly joined by our RNLI colleagues and later R199, these assets undertook an initial shoreline search of the area, and were then assigned a widening maritime search area that accounted for wind and tide from the location and time since the 999 calls were received.
“With all assets having completed their allotted search areas and patterns, and with nothing found, the search was suspended.
“We would like to remind the public that inappropriate use of maritime distress flares is a criminal offence.
“It can lead to the unnecessary deployment of search and rescue resources around the coast, diverting our personnel from legitimate emergencies.”
