A German fisherman has been rescued after igniting a handflare from marine distress signal brand Comet.

Mr Fischer with his new Comet distress signals

Norbert Fischer got into difficulties while sailing in the Baltic Sea, near Schleimünde, Northern Germany, earlier this year. 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 3ºC (37.4ºF) for 15 minutes before locating and using one of two Comet Red Handflares onboard. 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."

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