Tragedy averted as flare hits rescue base roof

RICHARD BAY:NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were at their sea rescue station for New Years Eve, to avoid traffic congestion in the event of a call-out, when at midnight dozens of red distress flares were fired by New Years Eve revellers in the vicinity.One of these red distress flares landed on the roof of the sea rescue base setting alight and burning through the roof.The sea rescue craft SPIRIT OF RICHARDS BAY was evacuated from the sea rescue base to save the sea rescue boat from catching fire.The fire was extinguished and repairs will be carried out to repair damage.Station Commander, Dorian Robertson, said 'thank goodness we were at the station to put the fire out. I shudder to think what would have happened to the base and boats if we were not here!' File image of Richards Bay rescue base