Chinese lanterns causing trouble for coastguards
Aug 26th, 2009
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has urged people using Chinese lanterns to warn local coastguard services before releasing them.An increase in the popularity of the airborn lights, which are considered a source of good luck in China, has caused a worrying amount of incidents including being mistaken for a vessel distress flare.
Those who are chartering yachts may also wish to take the advice into consideration if they are considering releasing them during onboard celebrations.
Portland Watch Manager Ros Evans spoke about the trend.
He said: "When we receive a report of a red flare being deployed we have to investigate. We don't want to be killjoys, but if someone is thinking of releasing a Chinese lantern near the coast they should let us know first. It will save us an awful lot of trouble.
"The biggest worry is that genuine distress flares might get ignored, unreported and uninvestigated."
Recently the Department of Transport revealed that it would ban smoking on yachts with more than one member of staff on board - crew included.
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Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
