Multi-agency response to false alarm after sighting

Multi-agency response to false alarm after sighting

10 September 2025

NEWCASTLE RNLI responded to a false alarm last week after flares were sighted off the Co Down coast.

Volunteers were on a routine training exercise on their inshore lifeboat on Thursday evening when they spotted red flares being set off between Newcastle and Kilkeel, and subsequently informed Belfast Coastguard.

At around 9pm, the Coastguard requested the lifeboat to divert from exercise and investigate the flare sightings.

The lifeboat proceeded in the direction of where the flares were sighted and the crew carried out a search along the way.

Newcastle RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to join the search as were a Coastguard rescue helicopter from Prestwick, Kilkeel Coastguard’s shore-based team and a Coastguard spotter plane. 

The multi-agency search was stood down when nothing untoward was found. 

Daniel Curran, Newcastle RNLI Launch Authority said: “There was a multi-agency response and a thorough search was carried out before all assets were stood down.

“While this transpired to be a false alarm with good intent, we would always much rather launch to find all is well than not launch at all.”

Mr Curran continued: “We would like to thank and commend all our colleagues in the various emergency services who worked very well together.

“We would encourage anyone who gets into difficulty at the coast or thinks someone is in trouble to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”