At approximately 10:00pm on Friday, 17 December 2013 Tasmania Police received several calls in relation to distress flare sightings. The sightings were narrowed down to the Cremorne area and Frederick Henry Bay.

Due to the number of calls of confirmed sightings by members of the public the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and the Police Vessel Dauntless were sent to the area. In addition to this several police land patrol units were diverted from other tasks to check boat ramps and make enquiries into the possibility of any overdue vessels.

Whilst in the area the crew of the Dauntless and rescue helicopter observed another flare from land near Cremorne and subsequently aborted the search.

If anyone has information in relation to the flare sightings between 10:00pm and 12:15am they are urged to contact police.