Pink Flare from Gender Reveal Party Sparks Coastguard Emergency in North Shields

A gender reveal boat party on the River Tyne led to an emergency response after a pink flare, intended to reveal a baby's gender, was mistaken for a distress signal. The Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade and coastguard responded after reports of a vessel 'out of control' and firing what was thought to be a red flare. Upon arrival, rescue teams discovered the flare was pink and that the boat's crew had been assisting an expectant couple with their celebration. The boat's skipper was very apologetic for the confusion, and all occupants were confirmed safe and well. Authorities have since advised against using flares for non-emergency purposes near the coast, as it can easily be mistaken for a real emergency and trigger unnecessary rescue efforts. The incident was ultimately marked down as a 'stranger false alarm with good intent,' with best wishes extended to the parents-to-be.