Panama City Flare Sighting Case Study

I recently responded to a flare sighting south of Panama City, FL. The SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC) received three separate reports from sources they deemed reliable. Each of the three reports was extremely similar and able to be correlated with the others. The flares were described as red and above the horizon with an upward trajectory. The flare cones from each source overlapped and provided a searchable overwater area for responding units. The local military units were questioned regarding flare operations in the region and none were reported. As our crew completed the preflight duties and brief, we all agreed that this case appeared ‘legit.’ You may be thinking about how rarely you have this feeling of legitimacy about a flare sighting, especially for a case in the Panama City region. That very thought passed through my mind when I heard the location of this case. Specifically, I thought we were about to go on yet another extended, reverse cycle mission in search of a vessel or person in distress that may not exist. Before we rotated I was already discounting the credibility of the reports based on the numerous similar cases we have all flown on with negative results. …show more content…
As expected we found only a few vessels in the search area, all of which were underway and showing no signs of distress. After an hour on scene, we reported to SMC that we were 75% complete with our assigned pattern and requested further tasking. While waiting for the response, the Copilot called out, “Flare!” Levels of alertness quickly doubled as we asked him for a direction. “It was straight ahead. Above the horizon.” Then the right observer said, “I just saw one at one O’Clock.” We turned in the direction of the last