Suspected pranksters who sparked a full-scale emergency response have prompted a call from Hawke's Bay police for the responsible use of distress flares.
Napier rescue and emergency services were alerted to a flare sighting about 3km off Napier's Marine Parade just after 10pm on Monday last week.
The coastguard, a local fishing
boat and the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter searched the water for a boat in distress.
Empty boat trailers around the city waterways were checked to make sure their boats were accounted for.
The search was called off at 12.30am after nothing was found. The cost was extensive.
Distress flares, widely available at boating, camping and outdoor stores, are used by boaties to indicate they are in difficulty and need urgent assistance at sea.
Hawke's Bay police search and rescue co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Luke Shadbolt said false flares caused major problems.
"We treat them seriously and we respond appropriately," Mr Shadbolt said.
"If necessary, we will also bring in a rescue helicopter. All these services cost money and time and false incidents are a drain on resources."
Police were also concerned the false flares could distract from genuine rescue situations, he said.
"There is huge potential for a genuine emergency to take a back seat while we respond to a false call."
Incidents of false flares increased in summer, with people using them as fireworks.
