An extensive search by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and maritime authorities has failed to explain a series of at least 15 flares spotted far offshore from Duynefontein last week.

The unusual sightings sparked a major response from rescue and maritime authorities, with fears initially raised that a vessel or people could be in distress at sea.

NSRI Melkbosstrand was alerted at 21:38 on Thursday 20 August, after an eyewitness reported seeing flares deep offshore.

Rowan Marais, NSRI Melkbosstrand station commander, said crew members responded to the report and witnessed additional flares once they were on scene. The flares were estimated to be at least 10 nautical miles offshore.

Extensive search launched

NSRI Yzerfontein was asked to keep watch, while the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Port of Table Bay Port Control and the police were alerted.

Telkom Maritime Radio Services also issued a VHF marine radio Pan Pan broadcast, alerting vessels in the area to remain vigilant.

NSRI Melkbosstrand then launched the rescue craft Rotary’s Gift to search the area. The search was not limited to the sea.

NSRI crews also investigated launch slipways along the West Coast, looking for boat trailers or vehicles that could indicate a local vessel was still out at sea.

However, they found no indication that a local craft had gone missing.

No sign of vessel in distress

The rescue craft conducted a sea search extending beyond 10 nautical miles offshore.

Two vessels in the area at the time, including a motor vessel and a fishing vessel, were contacted but reported no sightings of the flares.

Despite the extensive search, rescuers found no signs of a vessel or people in distress. There were also no reports of anyone missing or overdue.

Mystery remains

Marais said NSRI and maritime authorities have continued monitoring the coastline since the initial sightings.

Despite the response from several agencies, there is still no indication of what caused the flares or who deployed them.

The number of flares involved has also added to the mystery, with at least 15 seen during the evening. The incident has left rescuers without an explanation for what happened deep offshore.

NSRI, maritime authorities and police will continue to monitor the area.

For now, the flares remain unexplained. “The, at least, 15 flares deployed on Thursday night remains a mystery,” Marais said.

ALSO READ: NSRI confirms SafeTrx app will stay online in South Africa