Pink Flare at Gender Reveal Party Sparks Emergency Response

An unusual incident unfolded on Easter Saturday when the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade (TVLB) responded to reports of a boat that appeared 'out of control' near the mouth of the River Tyne. The call to the coastguard at approximately 6:41 PM indicated that the vessel was seen 'going around in circles' and had fired what was believed to be a red smoke flare. When rescue teams arrived at the scene, they discovered that the flare was in fact pink and was part of a gender reveal celebration for a couple expecting a baby girl. The TVLB consisted of six members who were dispatched to ensure the safety of those aboard the vessel. Upon meeting the boat's skipper, the crew was assured that everyone on board was safe and that the perceived emergency was simply a misunderstanding caused by the flare’s use during the celebration. While the situation ended positively, the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade issued a warning about the use of flares, highlighting that deploying such items in coastal areas could easily lead to panic and unnecessary emergency responses. A spokesperson for the brigade expressed gratitude that there were no injuries and extended their best wishes to the expectant parents. This event stands as a reminder of the implications that seemingly harmless celebrations can have in public settings, emphasizing the importance of conducting such activities responsibly and notifying appropriate authorities in advance if they might be misinterpreted as emergencies.