The U.S. Coast Guard says it recently received two hoax calls over the International Hailing and Distress radio channel near Ogunquit, Maine. Coast Guard officials say hoax calls of any kind are considered a threat to public safety and every call received over the radio is taken seriously, as boating in northern New England can be dangerous. “It diverts resources from people who might actually be in an emergency,” said Lt. Pamela Manns of the U.S. Coast Guard. “It’s a waste of taxpayers’ time and money. “If someone is really in danger, it takes our attention away from that.” The Coast Guard Investigative Service analyzes these types of calls and can trigger responses in the form of helicopter launches, calls, dispatching small boats, or alerting local fire and police departments. The Coast Guard says hoax calls are a federal crime. They add that anyone caught sending one could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and pay thousands of dollars in fines. “It is a crime to call the Coast Guard and knowingly transmit a false emergency call,” Lt. Manns said. Manns adds that anyone with a marine radio can make false distress calls, and anyone considering making one should think twice. “Just check your radios if you think your kids might be tempted to do it, and it’s really not that fun. Do not do it”. Lieutenant Manns said.
The U.S. Coast Guard says it recently received two hoax calls over the International Hailing and Distress radio channel near Ogunquit, Maine.
Coast Guard officials say hoax calls of any kind are considered a threat to public safety and every call received over the radio is taken seriously, as boating in northern New England can be dangerous.
“It diverts resources from people who might actually be in an emergency,” said Lt. Pamela Manns of the U.S. Coast Guard. “It’s a waste of taxpayers’ time and money. “If someone is really in danger, it takes our attention away from that.”
The Coast Guard Investigative Service investigates these types of calls and may generate responses in the form of helicopter launches, calls, dispatching small boats, or alerting local police and fire departments.
The Coast Guard says hoax calls are a federal crime. They add that anyone caught sending one could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and pay thousands of dollars in fines.
“It is a crime to call the Coast Guard and knowingly transmit a false emergency call,” Lt. Manns said.
Manns adds that anyone with a marine radio can make false distress calls, and anyone considering making one should think twice.
“Just check your radios if you think your kids might be tempted to do it, and it’s really not that fun. Do not do it”. Lieutenant Manns said.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow Keynote USA Local on Twitter.