The risk of keeping old marine distress flares is that these may not work effectively when they are needed most in an emergency or could misfire causing injury. The flare disposal day - organised by the Royal Yachting Association Northern Ireland and supported by police - has been described as a “well-supported initiative” with a total of 4011 flares handed in by members of the public and boating community. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NorthernIrelandWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
Portrush Yacht Club was one of the venues to host flare disposal. Inspector Stephen Burke of the Police Service's Explosives Blasting Unit said: “Our thanks to all who came along on the day, the RYA and other organisers behind these disposal events over three locations in Bangor Marina, Portrush Yacht Club and Lough Erne Yacht Club on Saturday. “These flares can now be properly and safely disposed of, allowing people to replace them with more reliable versions.
” The Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) voluntary flare disposal service stopped in December 2022 and as there is no commercial disposal service currently available in Northern Ireland for marine distress flare disposal and, until a long-term solution is found, this Marine Distress Flare Disposal event was organised during Police Marine Safety Week. Advertisement Advertisement Inspector Burke added: "You should never use flares that are expir.
