Orange flares at sea sparks emergency response 28/12/12
The sightings of orange flares over the Sound of Harris sparked fears of a vessel
in distress this morning. But nothing was found after a four hour search of the area.
A maritime emergency response was activated around 8am after a member of the public
dialled 999 saying they had seen three flares west of Northton, in South Harris.
A second caller also reported spotting similar rockets.
Coastguard teams from Tarbert and Leverburgh were alerted to search around Harris
side of the sea channel. Coastguard rescue squads Benbecula and Griminish did the
same on the North Uist coast of the sound.
Leverburgh lifeboat was launched and undertook a coastal search from Temple Rocks
to Stromay, and then circumnavigated the island of Ensay. A search was then undertaken
round the islands of Pabbay, Shillay and Coppay.
Stornoway coastguard helicopter was summoned back from an incident in Inverness.
A detailed search of the area found nothing and personnel were stood down at noon.