Girvan Lifeboat launches to multiple sightings of distress flares.

At 22:10 Monday 9th April 2018, Girvan Lifeboat volunteer crew were requested to launch the lifeboat by UK Coastguard Operations Centre at Belfast in relation to reported sightings of unusual lights at sea/possible distress flares.

Girvan's currently on service all-weather lifeboat 12-37 Silvia Burrell was soon on her way out of Girvan Harbour heading for Ailsa Craig.

Also tasked to the incident was UK Coastguard SAR helicopter R199 from Prestwick.. a thorough search was carried out by both assets between Girvan & Ailsa Craig and back again with nothing untoward found.

Further Information received coincided with information from the 1st informants and it would appear that chinese lanterns were the culprits, on this occasion was deemed as a false alarm with good intent and on this update both the helicopter and ourselves stood down and returned to station.

Girvan Lifeboat arrived back in harbour at 23:35 and was made ready for service once again

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