Members of the public have been contacting the coastguard after spotting what looks like a huge fireball over the North Sea.
The glowing orange shape appeared east of Bridlington during the very early hours of this morning – Friday 28th February.
Humber Coastguard Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, based on Limekiln Lane in Bridlington have been taking many calls reporting what appears to look like a vessel on fire off the Yorkshire Coast.
Following investigations it has been confirmed a rig is flaring and there are no persons in danger.
The Coastguard team at Bridlington have received many calls from members of the public along the east coast, from Flamborough, Bridlington, Hornsea and Withernsea.
It is understood that there has been calls from airlines on behalf of passenger aircraft pilots who have spotted the flaring rig whilst flying over the North Sea.
Jordan Grebby, Maritime Operations Team Leader at Humber Coastguard said: “We can confirm a rig off the Yorkshire coast is flaring, causing what looks to be a fire out to sea.
The rig, named Noble Resilient, is located 26 nautical miles off Bridlington and will be flaring for several more days.
Gas flaring is the burning of the natural gas associated with oil extraction.
“Members of the public are reminded if they think anything looks untoward they should always dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.” added Jordan.
Photo Credit: Jordan Grebby/ Humber Coastguard
