Coast Guard seeks help in solving hoax distress calls

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The Associated Press

The U.S. Coast Guard announced Friday that its fourth National Security Cutter, Hamilton, successfully completed builder’s trials in Pascagoula, Miss., Friday, marking a significant step in preparing Hamilton for delivery to the U.S. Coast Guard. Builder’s trials are the shipbuilder’s first opportunity to operate the cutter at sea and survey the current status of shipboard systems. (Huntington Ingalls Industries photo by Lance Davis)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard is asking for the public’s help in identifying hoax callers in southwest Florida.

Charles “Marty” Russell, the agency’s agent-in-charge of the St. Petersburg office, said in a news release Friday that over the past year they’ve received a steady stream of radio calls along Florida’s west coast. The calls were made on VHF-FM marine band channel 16, which is designated only for hailing and distress calls.

Russell says the agency immediately responds when it receives a distress call “putting our crews at risk, and risking the lives of boaters who may legitimately need our help.”

Penalties for making a false distress call can include six years in prison, a $250,000 criminal fine, a $5,000 civil fine and restitution to the Coast Guard and other agencies.

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