U.S. Coast Guard reports two fraudulent distress calls near Ogunquit, Maine

The U.S. Coast Guard says it recently received two scam calls to the International Hailing and Distress radio channel near Ogunquit, Maine. Coast Guard officials say any type of false calls are considered a threat to public safety and every radio call is taken seriously because boating in northern New England can be dangerous. “It diverts resources away from people who might actually be in an emergency situation,” said Lt. Pamela Manns of the U.S. Coast Guard. “This is wasting our time and taxpayers’ money.” If someone is truly distressed, it takes our attention away from that. » The Coast Guard Investigative Service reviews these types of calls and may trigger responses in the form of helicopter launches, response, dispatch of small boats or local fire alerts. police services. The Coast Guard says scam calls are a federal crime. They add that anyone caught sending one could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and pay thousands of dollars in fines. “It is a crime to call the Coast Guard and knowingly transmit a prank call,” Lt. Manns said. Manns adds that anyone with a Marine radio can make false distress calls and that anyone considering making one should think twice. “Just watch your radios if you think your kids might be tempted to do this, and it's really not that fun.” Do not do it. » said Lt. Manns.