Multiple hoax distress calls sparks Coast Guard investigation

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The U.S. Coast Guard continues looking for whoever may have made multiple false distress calls transmitted over VHF channel 16 coming from the Cape Fear area.  

“Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! Boat down,” said one person in a hoax distress call. “Boat down. I repeat, can anybody hear me? Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!”  

The U.S. Coast Guard has received eight hoax mayday calls like this since late December, traced back to the Leland area. 

Deputy Sector Commander John Suckow says every call is analyzed to determine where it is coming from, but these calls started raising red flags. 

“Then, we have to get our entire search and rescue chain of command on the phone to analyze that call with us and there has to be a consensus that it is a probable hoax, if we don’t have consensus, then we continue to treat it as legitimate emergency,” Suckow explained.  

When a mayday call comes in, a small boat is launched and sometimes a helicopter or plane. Suckow says when there is no real emergency, this wastes several hours of time and money.  

“So, the cost of deploying a single station small boat and an aircraft for up to 2 hours can easily exceed over $40,000,” Suckow informed. 

What is the penalty for making a false distress call?  

“It’s a federal crime that carries up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine plus the cost of the response,” Suckow shared from 18 U.S. Code § 1038.  

Not only is it a federal crime, but it can also put lives in danger. 

“It’s not a prank; it’s a dangerous and selfish act. It can carry serious consequences and put people’s lives at risk. Think about the family and those who are actually in distress that are waiting for Coast Guard assistance. Any kind of hoax diverts our assistance in being able to help them,” Suckow said. 

If you have information regarding the above incidents, or recognize the voice in the audio clip, please visit the CGIS tips website.