6:00pm Monday 6th July 2009
Coastguards are asking people to contact them if they are launching Chinese lanterns along the coast at dusk, following a spate of false alarms.
The paper lanterns fuelled by a wax paper wick are lit on the ground and rise slowly and majestically into the air.
These Lanterns are becoming more popular in Britain and are often used during weddings or beach parties.
When launched near the coast they can be mistaken for distress flares and have led to several unnecessary shouts for coastguard teams.
The most recent of these in Pembrokeshire was this Saturday, when Fishguard coastguard rescue team investigated sightings of a flare in Goodwick.
The flare was actually a white Chinese lantern launched from a wedding reception at the Fishguard Bay Hotel.
"Please could we ask you to contact us on 01646 690909 if you are taking Chinese lanterns or fireworks to the coast at dusk, so that we know the likely source of red flare sightings." said a spokesman for Milford Haven coastguards.
"Advise the coastguard at Milford Haven of the location and time of launching to avoid unnecessary coastguard investigation."
The spokesman also said that if members of the public see a light or a flare going up into the sky they should not hesitate to contact the coastguards who will always investigate it.
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