Chinese lanterns cause distress call confusion
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by Jo Sword
Chinese lanterns off the Kent coast sparked calls to the
emergency services by worried onlookers.
Hundreds were released off Thanet on Saturday night and several
people contacted the emergency services thinking they were distress
calls from people in trouble at sea.
The Coastguard is urging those planning to release the lanterns
to get in touch in advance to avoid wasting emergency
resources.
Peter Legg, senior watch manager at Dover Coastguard, said: "To
people who are not familiar with the coast then it would look as if
it is somebody in distress.
"All of these things we have to investigate and sometimes we
send out lifeboats, helicopters or aircraft if it is something we
think more serious."
Lives could be put at risk if there happens to be real emergency
elsewhere.
Mr Legg said the problem is becoming a regular occurrence. "It
only started in the last couple of years - but this summer it
appears to be more frequent, particularly in the last fortnight
with the good weather we have had."
Dating back to the third century Century, Chinese lanterns are
intended to bring good luck and prosperity.
Sunday, July 05 2009
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