Annually, the Coast Guard responds to 150 suspected or confirmed hoax calls, wasting valuable resources.
Every year the U.S. Coast Guard responds to thousands of search and rescue cases. Some of those, however, lead to empty waters at taxpayer expense.
Annually, the Coast Guard responds to 150 suspected or confirmed hoax calls, wasting valuable Coast Guard resources. Not only does it put other boaters who may be in danger and our crews at risk, it’s also a crime with serious consequences!
So here are the top five reasons why you shouldn’t make a hoax call and why it’s important to report it if you know of someone who has made one:
It’s illegal! Making a hoax call may result in 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine and financial reimbursement to the Coast Guard and other involved agencies. Fuel is pricey! A search using an HC-130 Super Hercules plane costs approximately $15,000 per hour, and a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter operates at approximately $10,000 per hour. Boat rescues costs top out at approximately $5,000 per hour. It’s dangerous. When you make a hoax call, it ties up Coast Guard assets and personnel that could be involved in a search for someone truly in need. It’s getting easier to catch callers! In addition to the capability to triangulate the location of most radio calls, the Coast Guard is developing new technology to identify hoaxers. The Coast Guard Research and Development Center’s newest tech can determine the unique vocal identity, like a fingerprint, of hoax callers. Yes, that includes silly voices. You may get reported. The Coast Guard asks that if you hear a hoax call, you can help! You can contact the Coast Guard through the Coast Guard Mobile App at www.uscg.mil/mobile. Or call the Coast Guard District Five Command Center at 757-398-6390. Reporting hoax callers helps save time and resources and can deter further hoax calls.The StarNews welcomes and will consider publishing Your Voice stories contributed by readers, nonprofits and clubs. They should be 300 words and accompanied by a good-quality photograph. Contact Community News Editor Si Cantwell at 343-2364 or si.cantwell@starnewsonline.com.
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