MAY 2, 2025 — The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and Sector North Carolina are seeking the public’s assistance with locating the individual responsible for making multiple false distress calls that are originating from the Wilmington, North Carolina area.
The series of falsified distress calls began on Dec. 21, 2024. At least seven hoax calls have been transmitted over VHF channel 16.
The calls are believed to have originated from the Leland and Brunswick areas in North Carolina and consist of individuals calling out for help with various locations and descriptions of their vessel or nature of distress.
If you have information regarding the above incidents, or recognize the voice in the audio clip, please visit the CGIS tips website.
VHF Channel 16 is for hailing and distress only. Knowingly transmitting false distress calls is a federal crime under 18 U.S. Code § 1038 and can lead to criminal and civil penalties if found guilty. The misuse 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.
“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.”
Deliberate misuse of distress calls compromises the Coast Guard’s mission of providing search and rescue assistance to the maritime community that needs it, and this crime is treated seriously.
USCG