Lanterns mistaken for flares in Coromandel

Police have received numerous calls from Cormandel Peninsula residents over the last few days regarding flare sightings. Police suspect the sighting have in fact been lanterns that have been sold on Coromandel beaches as novelty items.

Each time this means Coastguard has to be called out, and of course this could result in a situation where people stop ringing up when it really counts. A boat could be in a real emergency and end up being ignored, or emergency services could be looking in the wrong spot due to false alarms.

A red flare is an internationally recognised distress signal, and for someone to be selling lanterns which are mistaken for red flares, and to continue selling them, and for people to send them up, is bloody minded and stupid.

It is taking up emergency services resources that might be needed elsewhere at the same time, and you or one of your loved ones could be the person needing them.

Inspector Kluessien
Northcomms