News
Public flare warning for Scottish coast
08 August 2006
The UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency has issued a public warning about flares washed up along Scotland's coastline.
The warning from Clyde Coastguard urges the public not to pick up any flares that may have washed ashore on the Ayrshire, Mull of Galloway, Isle of Arran, and the North East Kintyre peninsular coast.
Anyone finding a flare washed ashore is advised to leave it where it is and contact the coastguard immediately on 999.
Clyde Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre watch manager Stuart Atkinson said: 'There have been several reports of flares being found over the last few days, we believe the flares to be old and phosphorous, which means when they start to dry out they start to smoulder and can become hot to touch if they are picked up they may cause serious injury.'
Around eight flares have reportedly been washed up on the Scottish coast this summer, mostly dating from around World War II. This is more than the usual number reported by the public on beaches in the area each year.
Flares are combustible torches that are used to attract attention at sea. Older versions can be unstable and cause serious injury if they burst into flames.
© Adfero Ltd
The warning from Clyde Coastguard urges the public not to pick up any flares that may have washed ashore on the Ayrshire, Mull of Galloway, Isle of Arran, and the North East Kintyre peninsular coast.
Anyone finding a flare washed ashore is advised to leave it where it is and contact the coastguard immediately on 999.
Clyde Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre watch manager Stuart Atkinson said: 'There have been several reports of flares being found over the last few days, we believe the flares to be old and phosphorous, which means when they start to dry out they start to smoulder and can become hot to touch if they are picked up they may cause serious injury.'
Around eight flares have reportedly been washed up on the Scottish coast this summer, mostly dating from around World War II. This is more than the usual number reported by the public on beaches in the area each year.
Flares are combustible torches that are used to attract attention at sea. Older versions can be unstable and cause serious injury if they burst into flames.
© Adfero Ltd
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