A gender reveal party on the River Tyne triggered an emergency response when celebratory pink smoke was mistaken for a distress signal, raising questions about responsible celebration methods near coastal areas.
At a Glance
- The Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade responded to reports of a boat “going round in circles” with what appeared to be a red flare
- Upon investigation, responders discovered the “red” flare was actually pink smoke used to announce a baby girl
- Six team members were mobilized for what turned out to be a false alarm
- The boat skipper was “very apologetic” for the confusion caused by the celebration
- Officials remind the public that using flares near coastlines can unnecessarily trigger emergency responses
Emergency Response for Celebration Gone Wrong
The Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade was dispatched to the River Tyne on Saturday evening following concerned reports about a vessel behaving strangely. Witnesses reported seeing a boat circling erratically while emitting what appeared to be a red smoke flare – the universal maritime distress signal. Fearing a vessel in trouble, the coastguard immediately deployed emergency resources to locate and assist the potentially endangered boat crew.
“The team found that the ‘red’ flare was in fact ‘pink’, and the crew had been helping a couple reveal the gender of their baby,” explained a spokesperson for the brigade.
The vessel had been hired specifically for the gender reveal celebration, with the pink smoke intended to announce the expectant couple was having a girl. After completing the reveal, the boat and its occupants made their way safely back to Royal Quays Marina in North Shields, unaware of the alarm they had caused among onlookers.
False Alarm with Good Intentions
When brigade members arrived at Royal Quays Marina to investigate, they found no emergency in progress. Instead, they discovered the boat had been chartered for a gender reveal party. What had looked like a potential distress signal from shore was actually part of an elaborate celebration. The incident has been officially recorded as a “stranger false alarm with good intent,” acknowledging that concerned citizens were right to report what they perceived as a potential emergency.
Six team members had been mobilized in response to the call, representing a significant deployment of rescue resources. Despite the misunderstanding, the brigade maintained a positive and professional approach, using the incident as an educational opportunity rather than criticizing the celebration organizers.
A Reminder About Coastal Safety
The incident has prompted officials to remind the public about responsible behavior in coastal areas. Marine distress signals like flares are serious emergency tools, and their misuse or imitation can lead to unnecessary emergency responses that divert resources from genuine emergencies. The brigade specifically advised anyone planning activities that might involve smoke, flares, or anything resembling distress signals to contact authorities in advance.
“Deploying flares in a coastal environment will always raise concerns that an emergency is taking place,” the spokesperson emphasized.
The brigade recommended contacting Humber Coastguard before using any pyrotechnic devices near coastal waters. This incident highlights the unintended consequences that can arise when traditional celebration methods intersect with safety protocols. While the gender reveal party ended with just a misunderstanding, it serves as a reminder that seemingly innocent celebration choices can have broader implications for public safety resources.
