Tauranga police have expressed their upset after responding to a false flare alert near Mount Maunganui.
A flare sighting sparked several search vessels searching an area around Moturiki Island (Leisure Is) and Motuotau Island (Rabbit Is) last night.
Police received several calls at about 8.40pm after a red flare was seen in the area of the Mount.
It was seen as far away as Welcome Bay.
It this very disappointing we have those who have no consideration as to what their action will cause.