Coastguard teams are scouring the Aberdeenshire coast after members of the public spotted distress flares at sea.
Three separate reports have been received by Aberdeen Coastguard since 9pm this evening of people seeing red flares to the north of Stonehaven harbour.
The Stonehaven lifeboat and Stonehaven coastguard team are currently searching the coastline for any signs of distress.
A spokesman said they were unaware of any vessels in the area, but that smaller creel boats were often not picked up by radar.
More to follow.
Search launched after “distress” flares spotted off Aberdeenshire coast
