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Largs RNLI respond to multiple flare incidents
Largs RNLI volunteers responded to two separate shouts on Wednesday where flares were reported.
The volunteers at Largs RNLI were tasked to reports of a red distress flare during the early hours of Wednesday morning (19 August 2026) and were again diverted to a report of an orange flare during their regular training session that evening.
Distress flares are an essential piece of safety equipment for people in trouble at sea. It is essential to remember flares are not fireworks and should never be used for entertainment or as a prank.
During both of these shouts, the volunteers from Largs lifeboat and local Coastguard Rescue Teams searched the area for anyone who could have been in danger.
On both of these occasions, no-one in danger was identified and the lifeboat was stood down by HM Coastguard.
Deliberately setting off distress flares as a hoax can have serious consequences and the action is comparable to making a malicious 999 call.
John Griffiths, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Largs RNLI, said; ‘A distress flare could be the only thing standing between someone in danger and a successful rescue.
‘Using one inappropriately could instead send volunteer crews into danger unnecessarily and potentially leave someone else waiting for help.
‘However, if you see a distress flare or see someone in trouble at sea or along the coast you should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Claire McRae, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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