
Yarmouth RNLI tasked during Storm Darragh after flares spotted in the Solent.
On Saturday 7 December, Yarmouth RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard after several reports from the public came in that red flares had been spotted near Hurst Castle.
After several lengths of a search which began around 10pm in adverse weather conditions, Yarmouth RNLI were stood down just before midnight when further reports came in that determined that the flare canisters had been found dry and on land.
Distress flares like these are used to signal a person or vessel in danger whilst at sea.
Those members of the public did the right thing calling the Coastguard and explaining what they had seen, and itβs because of these calls that we are able to find those in difficulty and we urge people to continue to contact us when spotting flares.
If you do happen to see a flare, if possible, try and determine the distance of the flare from the coast, or use specific land marks (for example in this case, Hurst Castle) as this helps the Coastguard work out the position of those requiring help when launching lifeboats and helicopters.
There are also many means of properly disposing flares which can be found by using this link.
RNLI contact details:
β Hebe Gregory, Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]
β Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager (South East & London) [email protected]
β Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead (South East) [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.