A German fisherman has been rescued from chilling seas after igniting a handflare from leading global marine distress signal brand Comet.
Norbert Fischer, (55) got into difficulties while sailing in the Baltic Sea, near Schleimünde, Northern Germany, in January. His fishing cutter sank after net cases moved onto one side, causing the boat to take on too much water.
Mr Fischer endured sea temperatures of 3°C (37.4°F) for 15 minutes before locating and using one of two Comet Red Handflares on board. The handflares burn for at least 60 seconds at 15,000 Candela.
Fortunately, he was spotted by the German maritime search and rescue service, the DGzRS, which was on a training exercise two miles away, and was rescued.
In recognition of Mr Fischer’s endurance, Comet sales manager Holger Mügge presented him with a range of Comet distress signals to equip his new boat.
Mr Mügge says, “The Comet handflare was Mr Fischer’s final chance of attracting attention and being rescued – and it worked perfectly.
“Like all our distress signals, Comet’s Red Handflares are designed to withstand exceptional weather conditions and to operate even after immersion in water. That’s why Comet marine distress signals are trusted by the world’s commercial and leisure marine markets, for their reliability and have been saving lives for more than half a century.”
Comet’s comprehensive range of distress signals is available through a global network of distributors in more than 70 countries. They are specified by the world’s navies, merchant fleets, fishing vessels, rescue services, airlines and leisure craft.
Comet and its sister brand Pains Wessex are owned by Chemring Marine, based in Fareham, UK, which is part of the Chemring Group. The company is the world’s leading supplier of SOLAS, MED and USCG-approved marine distress signals to the commercial and leisure marine markets.