Illuminating flares used in water search
23/02/2023
RNLI crew members used illuminating flares in an evening water search for a person in difficulty near Southport, UK.
The crew of Hoylake RNLI hovercraft diverted from a training exercise to join Crosby and Southport Coastguard Rescue Teams and police in the search at Crosby Beach.
The hovercraft lights helped the RNLI search the shore between Crosby Leisure Centre and the Coastguard Station and then beyond to the River Alt.
The Coastguard also searched the shore and fired illuminating parachute flares to light the area. A National Police Air Service helicopter assisted.
After almost two hours of searching, with nobody located, the incident was concluded by the Coastguard as a false alarm with good intent.
Hoylake RNLI hovercraft commander Chris Williams says, “Although there was nobody in distress on this occasion, we would always encourage anyone to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they think there is an emergency at the coast.”
