Training exercise off Geraldton sparks Facebook frenzy

A large number of flares fired off the coast of Geraldton this afternoon sparked rumours on social media that a boat was on fire.

Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue communications officer Ian Beard said the flares were shot as part of an exercise for a vessel training master class.

“They had 20 guys setting off 20 of every type of flare off one side of the shipping channel opposite Beresford,” he said.

Some onlookers took to Facebook to raise the alarm, but Mr Beard said the training exercise was standard procedure and not a cause for concern.

“It was fully authorised by the Maritime Safety Authority,” he said.