Aran Islands RNLI respond to flare sighting
Aran Islands RNLI was requested to launch its all-weather Severn class lifeboat at 00.45am on Saturday (5 June) by the Irish Coast Guard following a reported sighting of flares.
Red flares were spotted in the vicinity of Skerd Rock, which is located to the north west of Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands.
The lifeboat launched under Coxswain in charge Declan Brannigan and a full crew and headed straight for the location of the sighted flare.
Conditions at the time of launching were fair, with good visibility and a north east wind blowing 14 knots.
As the lifeboat arrived on scene at 1.30am, the search was called off and the lifeboat stood down as it transpired that a local gathering had had fireworks.
Speaking after the call out, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain in charge Declan Brannigan said: 'This transpired to be a false alarm with good intent but we would like to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm as we would always much rather launch and find that all is well than not launch at all.'
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