CG seeks fake Lake Erie distress calls’ source - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

CG seeks fake Lake Erie distress calls’ source

SANDUSKY, Ohio — The Coast Guard Investigative Service is working to identify the source of dozens of fake distress calls over the past two years, saying the calls are a waste of time and money and can be a danger to responders and mariners.

The messages were sent over marine band radio VHF-FM Channel 16, the frequency used for distress calls, the Coast Guard said this week.

The calls reference someone being in distress in boats or planes on Lake Erie. In one, the caller says “Mayday! Mayday! My boat is sinking.” In another, a boat is reported to be on fire.

Investigators believe the calls came from somewhere in far southeastern Michigan, south of Monroe. An award of up to $3,500 is being offered for information leading to the conviction of whoever is responsible.

“False distress calls are dangerous because they put those mariners who are actually in danger at added risk because crews are preoccupied with needless searches,” said Chief Petty Officer Gabriel Settel, Coast Guard Sector Detroit Command Center supervisor. He said the calls also waste taxpayer money and put responders at risk unnecessarily.

A Coast Guard officer from Cleveland tells radio station WTAM that investigators believe one person made more than 50 fake calls.