Sky lanterns cause havoc for rescuers

On Saturday, 05th January, at 21h04, NSRI Melkbosstrand were alerted following numerous eye-witness reports of red distress flares sighted in the vicinity of Big Bay, Bloubergstrand.On investigation it was revealed that members of the public were setting off Sky Lanterns (also known as Chinese Lanterns) from the beach.NSRI are appealing to the public not to set off Sky Lanterns, especially along the coastline, as they are almost always mistaken, by members of the public, to be red distress flares.NSRI Knysna were also called out last night for 'Red Flares' at 23h00, 00h33, 01h00, 02h30 and 04h00 which turned out to be these lanterns. http://www.nsri.org.za/2012/03/sea-rescue-asks-people-not-to-use-sky-lanterns/