At 23:00 this evening the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) received several independent public reports of red flares sighted off the Fingal coast. The exact location of the flares was difficult to pinpoint, however it was believed they were fired on the coastline area between Rush and Malahide.

The Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to investigate and immediately began a comprehensive shoreline search of the area. Several Skerries Coast Guard search teams were deployed and the area (including Loughshinny, Rush, Rogerstown Estuary, Portrane, Donabate and Malahide Estuary) were thoroughly searched. The Howth lifeboat was also tasked to the area and carried out a detailed at sea search with the assistance of a private vessel. Howth CGU were tasked to search south of Malahide.

No further flares were sighted or anything unusual noted. Conditions on scene were very good with clear visibility and only light SW winds. All search teams were stood down in the early hours of the morning and returned to base.

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save their life.