The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) on Monday said the “source and the reasons for the red distress flare activation remains a mystery” after “an extensive sea and shoreline search” off Hout Bay. The NSRI’s Kommetjie and Hout Bay duty crews “were activated by the Transnet National Ports Authority following numerous eye-witness reports of two red distress flares spotted out to sea off-shore…between Chapmans Peak and The Sentinel” just after 8pm.Kommetjie launched the sea rescue craft Spirit of the Vines and Hout Bay launched Nadine Gordimer and Albie Matthews‚ while NSRI spotters were stationed on Chapmans Peak to act as a look-out.“Boat slip ways were investigated for any signs of vehicles and trailers abandoned that may indicate paddlers or boaters overdue‚” said an NSRI statement.“Despite an extensive sea and shoreline search‚ which included the activation of illuminating flares to assist in a search‚ no sign of any persons or boats in distress could be found and with no reports of anyone overdue or missing the search was suspended at 10.30pm‚ and the situation will continue to be monitored.”Earlier on Monday‚ the Kommetjie duty crew launched the sea rescue craft Loved 1's 24 to rescue a couple - believed to be in their 20s – whose “small blow-up canoe” was capsized by a wave.“Local surfers had responded to assist and they had righted the canoe and helped both back into the canoe‚” the NSRI said‚ adding that neither was injured and they were escorted to shore without incident.– TMG Digital..