United States Coastguards have recommended that all vessels carry marine distress signals after two stricken sailors were rescued by firing flares.
The world’s leading marine distress company, Chemring Marine, which manufactures the market-leading Pains Wessex and Comet brands, has echoed the importance of mariners putting safety first.
Its Americas Sales Manager, James Chandler says, “This incident just proves how vital it is that all vessels carry marine distress signals and that they regularly maintain and service their safety equipment.
“By using flares when a vessel is in an emergency situation, the alarm can be raised and the position of the ship quickly pinpointed, so the Coastguard and nearby vessels can respond and mount a rescue.”
The advice from US Coastguard in Honolulu, Hawaii, came after they rescued two mariners when their boat ran aground and damaged its propeller 400 yards off Fort DeRussy one evening last month.
The crew of the 27-foot sailboat Bolo Bolo ran aground on the reef and first two red distress flares, which were spotted by a passing boat, The Star of Honolulu, which contacted the Coastguard.
Two nearby 25-foot response boats from the marine safety and security team went to investigate and the fire department also sent a rescue boat and helicopter.
A catamaran, Mai Tai, located the Bolo Bolo and towed it off the reef and marine safety response boat took the crew safely into Ali Wai Harbour.
The Honolulu Coastguard issued a statement, saying, “The Coastguard recommends all mariners have safety equipment aboard their vessel to include flares, VHF radio and lifejackets. Flares are an inexpensive and highly visible distress signal.”
Pains Wessex and Comet products have been helping to save lives for more than 100 years and are specified by the world’s navies, merchant fleets, fishing vessels, rescue services, airlines and leisure craft.
Manufacturer, Chemring Marine, based in Fareham, UK, is part of the Chemring Group PLC and is the world’s leading supplier of SOLAS, MED & USCG-approved marine distress signals to commercial and leisure marine markets.
The company is at the forefront of campaigning for improved global marine safety regulations, including introducing standardised rules on replacing dated safety products