Hot-air balloon false alarm

TWO search and rescue operations were mounted off the Clare coast on Sunday night following reports a hot-air balloon had crashed into the sea, while distress flares were also reportedly seen at a second location.

The first alarm was raised shortly before 10pm.

A caller to the emergency services reported a balloon had ditched in the sea near Fanore beach in the west of the county.

The Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard (ICG) sent water and land based crews to the area. No trace of a hot-air balloon or basket was found.

Rescuers were stood down. However within minutes MRCC Valentia requested the team to investigate a report of five flares seen on the south side of Liscannor Bay in the Spanish Point direction. Once again nothing was found and all teams were instructed to stand down.