Sector Sault Ste. Marie has received three fake distress calls.
MARQUETTE -- Since September 12, the US Coast Guard in Sault Ste. Marie has received three distress calls from boats that turned out to be hoaxes.
The Coast Guard, of course, has to take every call seriously, but if you prank call the Coast Guard, you're committing a felony offense.
"A 'Mayday' is the highest priority distress call you can give. Somebody comes across the radio and says "Mayday!," we immediately look at launching one of our boats, one of our assets," said BM1 Robert Busby, Executive Petty Officer.
Sector Sault Ste. Marie received Maydays from vessels called Magyver and Banana on September 12, and a third from a boat called Fox on September 27. All three claimed to be taking on water.
"Unless we can confirm that it's a hoax, then yes, we will take every call that we get seriously until we determine that it's a hoax or we find the person," Executive Petty Officer Busby said.
They're now on the lookout for the caller. When the offender is caught, he'll be facing serious penalties.
"Pending the outcome, if they are actually found guilty of it, they would be responsible for paying back all the costs of the search efforts," Executive Petty Officer Busby explained.
In addition to reimbursing the Coast Guard, the caller could face up to six years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a $5,000 civil penalty.
The Coast Guard is asking for your help.
If you have any tips on who could be making these hoax calls, you're asked to call the Coast Guard at (906) 635-3319.
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