News
Coast Guard Releases Audio Clip After 7 Hoax Distress Calls From North Carolina, Asks For Tips From Public
The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and Coast Guard Sector North Carolina are seeking the public’s help identifying the person or people responsible for making at least seven hoax distress calls since December.
The Coast Guard said the series of hoax calls began on Dec. 21, 2024, and at least seven have been transmitted over VHF channel 16, the designated international frequency for distress and safety communications on marine radio, known as the “hailing channel.”
An audio clip of one of the hoax calls shared by the Coast Guard sounds like a man shouting for help.
“Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! Boat down! Boat down!” the hoax call begins. “Can anybody hear me? Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!”
The Coast Guard believes the calls originated from somewhere in Brunswick County, near Leland, which is just west of Wilmington. The calls “consist of individuals calling out for help with various locations and descriptions of their vessel or nature of distress.”
Knowingly transmitting false distress calls is a federal crime punishable by criminal and civil penalties. Misuse of VHF channel 16 “can be punishable by up to 10 years in prison and up to a quarter million dollars in fines, plus the cost of the search,” the Coast Guard said.
“Hoax calls have a direct impact on our search and rescue readiness which puts lives at risk — they are not a joking matters,” said Cmdr. John Suckow, response department head for Coast Guard Sector North Carolina. “Our crews and watchstanders get distracted by these false calls, diverting their attention from potential, real emergencies elsewhere. These irresponsible actions trigger the launch of valuable search and rescue boats, aircraft, and personnel, needlessly deplete resources, and hinder our ability to respond effectively to genuine distress calls.”
The Coast Guard is asking anyone with information about the hoax calls, or who recognizes the voice in the audio clip, to submit a tip on the CGIS tips website.
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