The National Sea Rescue Institute says it continues to monitor the coastline after at least 15 flares were witnessed in the deep sea offshore of Duynefontein on Thursday night, 20 August, with the source remaining a mystery.

NSRI Melkbosstrand station commander Rowan Marais says duty crew were activated at 21h38 on Thursday following an eyewitness report of flares sighted in the deep sea offshore of Duynefontein, on the West Coast.

Once the crew were on the scene, additional flare sightings were witnessed, estimated to be at least 10 nautical miles offshore.

Marais says NSRI Yzerfontein was requested to keep a lookout, and other marine authorities (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre), Transnet National Ports Authority, Port of Table Bay Port Control, and the SA Police Service) were alerted.

“Telkom Maritime Radio Services broadcast a VHF marine radio Pan Pan, all ships alert, for marine traffic in the area to be on alert while NSRI crew responded to our NSRI Melkbosstrand station 18 rescue base and launched the NSRI rescue craft Rotary’s Gift.”

“Launch slipways in the area along the West Coast were investigated for boat trailers or vehicles that may indicate local craft still at sea, finding no indications, while our rescue craft conducted a sea search extending beyond 10 nautical miles offshore.”

Marais says two vessels, a motor vessel and a fishing vessel, which were in the area at the time, reported no sightings of flares.

“Despite an extensive search and investigations, there were no signs and no reports of any vessel or persons in distress, missing or overdue.”

“Despite ongoing monitoring by NSRI, maritime authorities, and Police, there remain no indications of anyone who may have been in distress on Thursday night. The at least 15 flares deployed on Thursday night remain a mystery.”