Chinese Lanterns Cause Two False Alerts
Following two false alerts of possible distress flares, the Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre requested that prior notice is given before lighting Chinese Lanterns and letting them float into the sky.
At around 10pm on Saturday evening [June 22] Bermuda Radio received reports that numerous suspected distress flares were sighted in the vicinity of Wreck Hill. They established the cause of the yellow/orange illumination in the sky was Chinese Lanterns being lit and floating in the area.
Around 20 minutes later they received second hand reports from the police that a number of suspected distress flares were sighted in St George’s, and it turned out to be Chinese Lanterns again.
“This second incident in one evening highlighted the frequency of these false alerts to local resources, Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre would request that prior notice is given to Bermuda Radio before lighting chinese lanterns and letting them float into the sky,” a spokesperson said.
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chinese float away!
Will do. How about you give us the contact information so we know who to call. These lanterns are very popular at BBQs and summer parties. Make it a little easier for us to report them and the likelihood of us doing so will increase. Thanks!
It’s 297-1010….
Thanks Bernews! These aren’t just a Chinese thing – they are great at weddings and parties. Can’t believe some people have only seen them a few times. We light them off regularly. Great Things sells them in all colours for $10.
How long has this been popular in in Bermuda? I’ve only seen it once in my lifetime living here. Unless you are Chinese?
But on a more serious note. When I saw them for the first time, I thought it was a distress signal as well, until I saw a few all in a row…
Chinese lanterns are banned in many places around the world because they are a serious fire hazard as well as lethal to many animals, birds and marine life. Along with party helium balloons which are also polluting and lethal to wildlife (especially turtles and sea birds) they should be banned in Bermuda.