Friday night launch for Brighton RNLI
Brighton Lifeboat launched yesterday (Friday 27 August) just before 9.20pm due to multiple 999 reports of a red flare seen close to Brighton Marina entrance.
The volunteer crew – as well as members of Newhaven and Shoreham Coastguard teams – found no one in distress in the area.
It was established that flares had been fired from the shore and any persons had left the area.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Roger Cohen said: 'At least twelve volunteers had their Friday night disrupted due to this reckless act.
'Flares are a means of calling for help at sea and there will always be a response to reports.'
The crew returned to their Marina station at 10.30pm.
It is important to remember marine distress flares are NOT fireworks, and if used incorrectly can be extremely dangerous.
If you see a red flare along the coast, or at sea, you should always dial ‘999’ and ask for the Coastguard.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.