Hoax Distress Calls Costing Taxpayers

U.S. Coast Guard is asking for the public's assistance in identifying hoax callers of false distress calls in North Carolina.

September 21, 2007

ONSLOW COUNTY NC NEWS -- The U.S. Coast Guard is asking for the public's assistance in identifying hoax callers' broadcasting false distress calls. The Coast Guard is also offering a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the responsible person or parties.

Coast Guard Sector North Carolina has received multiple hoax distress calls throughout the surrounding areas of Wilmington, New River and Onslow Bay. Sector NC and surrounding units are investigating these calls but have not identified these callers. Although some calls are believed to originate from the same caller there may be more then one person responsible.

Numerous distress calls to the Coast Guard in Sector North Carolina over the past year appear to be hoaxes. The most recent calls were received on the September 13, 18 and 19. Willfully transmitting a false distress call is a class D felony, punishable by fines and imprisonment.

According to the Studds Act passed in November 1990. A false distress call is a class D Felony, which upon conviction, the hoax caller could be subject to a maximum sentence of six years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The hoax caller could also have to reimburse the Coast Guard for the cost of the search. Additionally the hoax caller is subject to a maximum Federal Communications Commission (FCC) civil fine of $8,000.

Furthermore, Section 303 of the U.S. Communications Act passed in 1934, states any radio operators, whether at home, on a boat or in a business, is required to allow an FCC agent to inspect his radio equipment at any time. To deny inspection could result in a maximum fine of $7,000.

The approximate operation cost of each Coast Guard search and rescue vehicle is listed below:

• Coast Guard C-130 aircraft cost is $4,244 per hour to operate.
• Coast Guard helicopters cost about $4,400 per hour to operate.
• Coast Guard cutters cost about $1,550 per hour to operate.
• Coast Guard small boats cost between $300 and $400 per hour to operate.

If the hoax caller or callers committing these crimes are not caught the taxpayers will pay the cost of each search. Citizens with any information regarding these crimes can contact Coast Guard Investigative Service, Wilmington, North Carolina office at (910) 772-2229.

Published by:
Rob Cross
mailto:editor@357news.com

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