Hoax Distress Calls Waste Funds and Risk Lives
Coast Guard Seeks Assistance in Reducing False Reports
Apr 23, 2009
The United States Coast Guard reports that it responds to some 109 boaters in distress everyday, resulting in at least 10 lives saves and assisting 192 people in the process. The maritime agency is noted for its ability to conduct search and rescue missions, but unfortunately not every call is legitimate.
The Scale of Hoax Distress Call Problem
In a press release, Coast Guard Sector Baltimore reports that out of 114 search and rescue missions it launched after October 1, 2008, 15 percent were likely hoaxes.
In announcing this information, Sector Baltimore Commander Captain Brian Kelley says, "The harsh reality of hoax distress calls is that the Coast Guard treats every call we receive as a real distress case. While our boats or aircraft are out searching in response to a hoax call, another boater in actual distress may not get timely assistance. Lives could be lost."
Causes of Hoax Distress Calls
Causes for hoax calls can be both accidental and deliberate. Some examples that the Coast Guard has experienced include:
- Boaters making false Mayday calls as a means to obtain a radio check. They know a Mayday receives immediate attention and provides split-second feedback to the culprit
- Some VHF marine radios have an emergency distress button that triggers a coded SOS signal. The button can be accidentally depressed and cause a false alarm
- Unsupervised children are a source of hoax calls, often not understanding the consequences of their actions
- 121.5/243 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) has been discontinued for more accurate 406 MHz models. Old EPIRBs have been found abandoned or in landfills actively transmitting their homing radio signals
A Recent Hoax Distress Call Incident
Toledo, Ohio – A young man was recently indicted on charges that he made false distress calls that prompted a search by the Coast Guard with boats and helicopter. The hoax calls placed the agency’s personnel in harm’s way for an incident that didn’t exist. According to the U.S. Attorney, the prank could the defendant up to $250,000 and six months in prison. A civil penalty could be levied to recover the cost of the unneeded search and rescue operation.
Reducing Hoax Distress Calls
The Coast Guard is seeking the public’s assistance in reducing the number of hoax calls responses it makes: Suggestions include:
- Remove marine VHF radios from the boat or lock them up when not being used
- Remind children that playing with a radio could put people in danger
- Report suspected hoaxes to the Coast Guard at 1-800-2NO-HOAX. Calls are confidential and the caller can remain anonymous
The Coast Guard, in an effort to more accurately track radio distress signals, is introducing improved receiver technology with its Rescue 21 Program. As an added benefit, the agency may be able to track down false calls more frequently. Responding to true emergencies and limiting false distress calls will benefit rescuers and boaters alike.
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