The U.S. Coast Guard’s Great Lakes District says it’s received more than 150 false distress calls since Oct. 1, with the “growing influence of social media” only further complicating search and rescue operations.
“Social media content suggesting distress may not include critical details, such as an accurate location, the number of people involved, or immediate hazards,” said Roger Rice, search and rescue program manager for Great Lakes District. “Misleading photos or videos may unnecessarily trigger emergency responses and divert critical resources.”
In addition to social media, distress calls can be transmitted via radio and phone.
Of the 156 false distress calls Coast Guard members in the Great Lakes District received this fiscal year, only three of them were confirmed to be hoaxes.
The agency defines a hoax as “knowingly and willfully communicating a false distress message to the Coast Guard,” while a false distress call can stem from a misunderstanding, outdated information or accidental transmissions.
Initiating a hoax is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a monetary fine, including a civil penalty of up to $13,295 and liability for any costs incurred by the Coast Guard as a result of their actions.
“Intentionally misleading emergency responders is both dangerous and illegal,” said Capt. Mark Kuperman, chief of staff for the Great Lakes District. “Every false distress report creates a ripple effect across the entire emergency response community, draining valuable time and resources from the Coast Guard and agency partners, and potentially putting emergency responders at unnecessary risk.
“Ultimately, this reduces our readiness for actual emergencies. This can be especially detrimental during the summer months, when resources are in constant demand.”
To help prevent false distress calls in the future, the Coast Guard recommends that boaters in distress use VHF-FM channel 16 or 911 to call for help during a real emergency.
The U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes District is responsible for a 1,500-mile international border spanning eight states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
The Great Lakes District receives an average of 187 false distress calls each year, according to the Coast Guard.