Shooting Star Results In Mayday Broadcast
A sighting that is believed to have been a shooting star, but was mistaken for a flare, resulted in a Mayday Relay broadcast.
A Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesperson said, “On Tuesday, May 8 at 12:04am, Bermuda Radio overheard a vessel calling Mayday Relay on VHF CH16. S/v Manana advised that S/v Elsa had sighted a yellow flare approximately 57nm northeast of Bermuda.
“S/v Manana requested to remain in the vicinity and relay communications with Bermuda Radio, while S/v Smoke & Mirrors also reported a similar sighting but wasn’t sure if it was a distress flare.
“Bermuda Radio commenced Mayday Relay broadcast as S/v Elsa proceeded to the position of the flare sighting. At 2:24am, S/v Manana reported that S/v Elsa was on the scene and nothing was found in the area.
“All vessels were subsequently stood down with the sighting believed to have been a shooting star. Bermuda Radio canceled Mayday Relay broadcast.”
