By Isle of Wight Observer
Cowes RNLI was called out to reports of a red flare on the River Medina, towards Folly Reach, on Friday night around 10.45pm.
The crew conducted a thorough search of the river and banks in the area, but nothing was found on the water.
At 12.40am, the crew returned to station, and soon after the search was called off by HM Coastguard after Needles Coastguard Rescue discovered an empty red flare canister and three unused flares on a road near the river. Ventnor Coastguard Rescue had also been searching and were stood down.
A Cowes RNLI spokesman said: “Flares are a sign of distress and should only be used in emergency situations. Volunteers across multiple emergency services respond when flares are let off, to help those in trouble.
“Old or unwanted flares can be disposed of safely by the Cowes Harbour Commission at Kingston Boatyard and Shepards Marina offices in Cowes.”
