Officer in Charge Cairns Water Police, Sergeant Andrew Ibell appealing for public assistance and responsible use of distress flares
Cairns Water Police officers warn boat users against illegally activating marine distress flares after a number of search and rescues were launched based on emergency calls.
Cairns Water Police Officer in Charge, Sergeant Andrew Ibell said marine distress flares were not fireworks and should never be used for entertainment purposes.
Marine distress flares are a means for ‘boaties’ in genuine distress to signal that they require assistance. The three different types of marine distress flares that are commonly used can all be seen for several kilometres, especially at night.
Unfortunately water police officers have noticed that it has become common place for irresponsible people to activate these flares during parties and times of celebration for entertainment value.
Valuable resources used during rescues
Sergeant Ibell said people didn’t realise that although people immediately around them may know there is no distress situation but someone seeing the flare from a distance is not in the same position to know whether the activation of the flare is a distress situation or not.
It is the duty of the Queensland Police Service to respond to flare sightings and fully investigate and determine the source of the flare and effect a rescue of people if required. In the majority of cases, Cairns Water Police officers identified there was no distress situation and the flares were illegally used.
Sergeant Ibell said people found to have used distress flares for non distress situations would be fined and could be required to appear before the courts with search and rescue authorities seeking reimbursement of any search costs involved. These costs could run into many thousands of dollars.
Members of the public who see a distress flare should notify Police immediately.
Should you see a flare and you know there is a beach party or the like and the flare activation is not as a result of a distress situation, please call Police immediately so we can make inquiries to determine the suitable course of action.
“Members of the public reporting flare activations will help us to ensure we have a timely response to people in genuine distress. They will also help us to ensure that any illegal activations don’t lead to unnecessary searches and wasted resources,” Sergeant Ibell said.
Flares are dangerous and have been at the centre of illegal activations resulting in significant property damage and serious personal injury.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.