Probe into firing of red distress false alarm

CAPE TOWN - An investigation is under way into the firing of a false alarm flare at Bloubergstrand beach at the weekend.

NSRI Melkbosstrand investigated eye-witness reports of a red distress flare sighted in the vicinity of Bloubergstrand at around 11pm on Saturday.

While no reports of any vessels in distress or persons missing had been received, the Telkom Maritime Radio Services broadcast an all ships alert in efforts to narrow a search area while the Transnet National Ports Authority investigated vessels still at sea.

“NSRI rescue crew were sent to investigate along the shoreline while sea rescue craft were prepped to be launched,” the NSRI said.

“During investigations shoreline CCTV camera footage shows the red distress flare being set off from the beach by public members.

“An investigation has been opened into the malicious false alarm and the perpetrators will be tracked down.”

Earlier on Saturday, NSRI Melkbosstrand and City of Cape Town Tableview lifeguards were activated following reports of two people being swept out to sea at Tableview Beach.

The NSRI Bakoven sea rescue craft Gemini Legend, at sea at the time on a patrol, responded just after 4pm.

Before the NSRI arrival on the scene, lifeguards had assisted both people and no further assistance was required.

At 7:3pm on Saturday, NSRI Melkbosstrand, Law Enforcement officers and Big Bay Surf Lifesaving lifeguards were activated following reports of four people in difficulty in the surf zone at the far North side of Tableview Beach.

“Cape Town Traffic Services transported Big Bay Surf Lifesaving lifeguards to the scene where they were able to rescue all four from the water.

“Only one (person) required medical attention and he was attended to by lifeguards, NSRI and WC Government Health EMS paramedics,” the NSRI said.

Cape Times