Coastguards' false alarm over lantern

A LIFEBOAT was launched after coastguards received a 999 call reporting a red flare over Portobello - but it turned out to be a Chinese lantern.

The Kinghorn lifeboat carried out a sea search between Leith and Portobello, while Coastguard rescue teams from Fisherrow and South Queensferry searched the shoreline, but nothing was found. Another report was received of a Chinese lantern in the area around the same time on Wednesday evening.

Helmsman Mike Chalmers said: "It serves as a good reminder that although Chinese lanterns may look nice, they can present problems and appear similar to red distress flares.

"Sightings, or suspected sightings will always be acted upon by the Coastguard and I would urge people using Chinese lanterns near the coast to consider whether they really want to use them, or to inform the Coastguard first."